11-a-side 2005-2006

11-a-side 2005-2006

Greenwell
and Wardle are now back as regulars, although we'll have to be careful
as the morning games might spring up an injury. Also, the game plan
was to get the ball down as quick as possible and to play it short.
We did. We were probably marginally better than TWR in the first
half and deserved our goal (from Hembrough). The team was carefully
planned out. Hembrough with Wilkinson in attack, although Tommy
was asked to drop deeper when we didn't have the ball. Wide players
were Gourlay and Ed, while Greenwell played central behind the front
two. Wardle was in front of the back four - which comprised of Young
P, Pearson, Emu and Dixon.

To cut
a long story short, we went 1-0 up before succumbing to an equaliser.
Tommy missed two glorious chances - the second of which resulted
in a lost football (say no more). Second half, I changed to 4-5-1
due to the mass amount of lost leads we'd had. Positive at the start
as Greenwell broke clear and scored. Yet again, it went belly up.
Despite having five men in midfield, we still didn't close down
like we should have. Staples claimed it was players playing in the
wrong positions, but Greenwell, Wardle, Wilkinson, Gourlay and Cook
in a five man midfield aren't out of position. It's simple lack
of hard work. We have to be tight on our men and stop them passing.

At the
back, I was afraid of the old "rely on offside" technique.
There's enough pace at the back to remain goal side and cope with
any long ball. Emu had a few clangers where he was turned a few
times.

So. Back
to the positives. We are now starting to play the ball more which
is a relief. There were only one or two long balls which when executed,
went tits up - so we know now not to do them. Roll on next season.
Despite it being FA Cup day, we had a good turn out with more than
enough players. I'm sure we'll be strong in the lower division for
next season.

New
team shirtDelighted to say the new shirt is nearly ready. The attached
pic shows the first design sample. There are going to be minor changes,
but nothing too drastic so the shirt is going to be almost identical
to the one in the picture.

New
Sassco balls
We've also produced some new match balls with the City of Sunderland
and Milltech logo on them for all our home games as well as for
the 6-a-side League. The balls are produced up to FIFA Approved
standards and are durable enough for the turf and the grass.

Our last game

The final
game v TWR is going to be a 1pm kick off. Reason being that the
FA Cup Final is on the same day. We tried to get the FA to shift
their game, but no joy. So it's a 1pm kick off at the Shipwrights
field against TWR. We should be there for around 12:15pm to get
the nets up. I'll announce the squad on the message board as normal.

Scotty Hembrough

Also,
rumours have been flying about here and there, but unfortunately
for us, Scotty Hembrough will be leaving the team at the end of
the season to pastures new - possibly a high flying team in the
top division or the Northern League. We know he's good enough for
both and thank him for sticking it out with us. Scotty H was amongst
the original set of new superstars such as Beam, Bunta, Bell, Minnie
and Sammut - all who left when we started struggling. But good on
him, he stayed with us and more importantly, played exceptionally
well as a regular. He's definitely our Player-of-the-Season. The
prize was going to be a team shirt, but now we'll have to find something
different.

6th
May 2006

Hetton Crown 3 Sassco.co.uk 0.

Depleted line up, comfortably trounced.

Very
difficult to take any positives from a 3-0 trouncing. We were stunningly
depleted. No Deano, Pearson, Staples, Hembrough, Herkes, Hodgson
to name a few. Also Wardle and co. had a semi final on in the morning.
Lucky for us, Dave G managed to press gang Ed Cook into turning
up. Dixon was back from injury and Wilkinson had come back from
his SAS camping session (SAS meaning Saturday and Sunday).

Anyway,
brief report. Wilko was delayed by the problems on the A19 so we
didn't have time for a team talk. Started reasonably well, but conceded
early. Held on well. Muers and Dixon were up front but lacked the
cutting edge having spent most of the season in defence. They both
did okay when dropping deep as our ball play wasn't too bad, but
the shots on goal ratio was appalling. We didn't really have the
full complement of players who are good at keeping the ball, but
we kept it down and passed it simple. Good sign was players bollocking
other players for needless long balls and flicks which didn't get
us anywhere.

Hetton
moved up a gear in the second half and scored two quick goals. We
were 3-0 down and there was no real way back. Up front we had pot
shots at goal and none really troubled the 'keeper. The best chance
was probably Muers first half, limp wrist kick and Tommy's second
half sky high effort when through on goal.

As
mentioned earlier, we really struggled with a team. I was ill so
didn't really want to take part (but had to), while Herkes decided
to text me two hours before kick off to say he's busy. I understand
people are busy, etc. But some people seem to be more busy than
others which means they will have to be classed as non-regulars.
God knows how many texts I sent out to get a full team, but then
again, all teams have that problem at this time of year with so
many games and competitions going on.

Never
mind. We were generally positive after the game and pointed out
the obvious mistakes. They can be surely rectified, but the last
game of the season v TWR Trade Frames isn't really the one where
you'd expect a huge up lift. For next season we'll have to put in
some ground rules and select a first team squad of around 15 who
are rock solid regulars. The rest will be signed on as non-regulars
and will be called on from time to time. Priority is to get a regular
striker and also a strong midfielder.

Also,
a team coach is needed. The three names are Ed Cook, Billy Harper
and Corby. They are ideal motivators and have the necessary skill
and experience to form a good way of playing. We shall see. All
three would struggle with commitment as they have other teams they
look after.

Our
biggest game since the opening day. We were facing off against Redhouse
FC in what actually was a meaningless game. We're definitely relegated,
while Redhouse had seemingly shot themselves in the foot after gaining
the lead in the table then losing it, surprisingly in two games.
However, for this one, they were back to full strength (as expected).
I was concerned with our lack of numbers, but a stroke of luck made
both Greenwell and Wardle available. They didn't have a game in
the morning, so the likes of Stubba, Jeff and Donkin would also
be available just in case. However, Wardle and Greenwell were straight
in as Tommy Wilko and Danny H were missing. Gourlay and Pearson
were also missing until around two hours before kick off. So lucky
for Redhouse, I put my footy boots back into the Aldi carrier bag
and prepared to spend an interesting evening on the sideline, watching
one of our most important games in terms of how we performed. As
with all Sassco games, it tended to end in tears.

For the
team it was 4-3-3 again, with the return of all the key players,
Hembrough, Muers, Gillespie, etc. I placed Wardle in front of the
defence and Greenwell as the third attacker and it seemed to work.
Wardle forced an own goal through and soon Hembrough broke the offside
trap to make it 2-0. Yet the game was still up for grabs. Butler
was quiet, but slowly getting into the game and soon we conceded
a soft penalty. Muers was climbing over Hunt and Butler put the
penalty away with ease.

Second
half saw us start to panic. We'd never been good enough to hold
a lead. For some reason we can't seem to get our foot on the ball.
Difficult to work out a plan for this in the future, but at 4-2
down - yes 4-2, we started to actually keep the ball and pass it.
We'd conceded an early goal in the second half and then two quick
ones in succession. We were out of it. I sent Herkes on late in
the game to terrorise Gash, but he looked intimidated by Gash's
hairstyle. Nevertheless, he did okayish. One thing about Herkes
is that he can't half trap any ball pinged at him at any speed or
height. The goals conceded were predictable. One was when Jase claimed
the ball was out while the others were essentially ourselves not
giving Butler any respect. My team talk at half time was simply
that the rest of them were shite and Butler is the one. We should
have doubled up on him. But most of our lads being a bit dim said
that he wasn't playing well. I'm afraid he played a bit too well
in the second though. I wouldn't go the whole hog and say Redhouse
are a one man team, but Butler is definitely the edge which puts
them above the likes of Dolphin, Grange, Castletown, etc. The Redhouse
team talk dwelled on the fact that Keith Braziers arse was twitching
just in case Sangha's Sassco celebrated their first League win over
him.

However,
back to our problems. In the future, I'm going to have to stress
the importance of keeping the ball on the ground when up against
it. Corby touched upon it during our defeat v Castletown, but I
wasn't convinced. We did well in this matter this time. Obviously
we'd lost the game then, but it was clear when we were punting balls
in the air - they were winning them easily. Playing quick one or
two touch passing was our game and that has to be stressed in our
last two games. The skill players are there so it shouldn't be a
problem. It will have to be possession football when in the lead
instead of hit and see it come straight back.

A few positives for this game. Firstly,
Muers was back but looked rusty. Wardle and Greenwell did really
well, in what is probably their last game for us this season, and
won almost everything in the air. Deano played well and cleared
his lines, but struggled to keep goal side of Butler on occasions.
Scotty H was superb in attack, with most of his spectacular efforts
being near misses. Overall it was okay. Far better than Wednesday,
but hugely disappointing that we didn't keep the lead. Yet we've
done that in the past so no surprises there

Midweek
games do my head in. Players aren't available and the ones who are
have to spend time rushing around. From our encounter on
Saturday, only Watty, Jase and Pearson were there. The remaining
team was bolstered by Wilko, Herkes, Jeff Clark, Stubba, Jimmy Donkin,
Deano, Wardle and Gourlay.

It was a poor performance. For some
reason, the back four decided to play the offside rule which led
to the first Dolphin goal. It was added to four times in the first
half in a truly diabolical performance. Attitude in comparison to
Saturday was dire. No closing down, no tight man-to-man and no discipline.
It seems that most were only there for the kick-about. Only Deano
came out of it with any credit.

Second half was more measured. They
did score off a corner late on, but we had quite a few good opportunities.
They were clearly relaxing and messing around, but it was a shame
we didn't take advantage. Herkes came close with some one on ones,
while Deano on right wing (from right back) put in some good crosses.

Roll on Saturday and thank God, as
this is our last Wednesday game. We've got Redhouse FC, our dear
rivals (not in League positions though). They seem to be shooting
themselves in the foot having gained a lead at the top of the division
and now squandered it. Hopefully the full squad will be there and
attitude will be top notch. I'm sure we want to put one over our
opponents. Yet, that's thinking ahead. The only positive thing out
of this game is that the second half was quite enjoyable. Also,
the relief that this wouldn't be classed as our proper line up had
the likes of Staples, Hembrough, Dixon, Muers and Danny H been available.

We'll see. Thanks anyway to the lads which did turn up, including
Steve Mac and Anth Pearson on the sidelines. Also it's been a while
since Fatty, Stubba, Jeff and Jimmy played together for Sassco and
it showed as the arguments flared up within a few minutes of kick
off.

2-0
up. What more could I ask for. We'd lost Griffiths, Murton, Muers
and Gourlay and also Wilkinson on the day, but mustered a team together
and actually performed to our best abilities. It was 4-3-3 again
and this time, instead of Griffiths in attack, we had Corby. It
was great to see "Old Man Corby" back in the fold. Ironically
against his previous team mates, Duffy, The Mouats and Barry Cook.
People unaware of Sassco wouldn't know that the majority of key
players in some of the teams have donned the Sassco jersey in the
past. Both Corby and Duffy were present in our first ever win back
in 2002. Paul Mouat has played on and off in the Saturday mornings,
while Keith Mouat was a regular. But to the team on the day, instead
of Murton it was Pearson behind the front two and Gillespie in front
of the back four. Out was Muers and in was Hodgson. Watty's mate
played on the right hand side of midfield while Young P played right
back. Jase was left back. Stapes on the left and Scotty H up front.

From the
off, we seemed to be okay. Hembrough opened the scoring as they
simply couldn't handle his pace. He also hit the crossbar. But then
problems occurred. Hodgson suffered a bad tackle so I had to come
on. We shuffled it to Jase as centre half. Still, we went 2-0 up.
It was all to play for. Corby also hit the bar and Anth Mouat in
goal for them made a cracking save. We really should have been 4-0
up. Yet we cleared off the line twice and seconds before half time,
they scored to make it 2-1.

No matter.
We were fully confident for the second half and held it at 2-1 for
a long time. Hembrough hit the crossbar on this occasion and things
were looking up. Yet, Digga had to go off injured. We were down
to 10 men, without both centre halves. Pearson filled in, but from
then on we struggled. Our weak players came to the fore as we lost
the ball too often. We tried in vain and lost 5-3. Score was a bit
harsh, but I'm genuinely pissed off. Players such as Wilkinson and
Griffiths dropping me in it on the day. Gourlay constantly missing,
our other lads missing as well for one reason or another. If Murton,
Muers and Gourlay were here today, I'm sure we'd pull out all the
stops and get it right. What pisses me off is that there's so much
potential in the team. We seem to be getting it right. Attitude
is 100% if ability isn't. But if I can't get the full-strength side
out week in week out like other teams do, there's not a great deal
we can do. Some players aren't good enough and myself; I
shouldn't be playing. The fact that I am fifth or sixth highest
appearance is shocking.

Come on boys. Those who are reading
have to get their act together and start getting to games. If they
don't want to play. Simply say so and I can make changes.

I need to know who is available for
our Wednesday night encounter at Silksworth. Leave a message on
the message board.

An
unexpected strong performance from Sassco didn't leave us with the
result we wanted. Hendon Grange were the opponents and while they'd
come off the back of a Cup Final defeat the night before, we'd had
a reasonable game against Aquatics last week. This time, we lost
Jase, Pearson, Herkes, Deano and Danny. Rackstraw was due to make
a return, but bailed out in good notice the day before. So, I had
to play. Also, Watty, who was busy releasing all the shits out of
his arse, put them up me when he said he wouldn't be able to play.
I tried Gav Kershaw, but he wasn't there, so Watty took all the
weight off his mind and turned up looking leaner and healthier,
if not a bit paler. I suppose the conditions didn't help. They couldn't
have been more contrasting than our game against Aquatics. It was
searing heat with a sun baked, hard ground to play on. At the end
of the game, we were collectively struggling (both sides) with the
hard ground conditions. Makes a change from the quagmire though.

For the
team line up itself, the system was altered slightly. I elected
to go for 4-3-3. The reasoning was varied. Firstly, the last game
against these saw them having an extra man in midfield all the time.
The extra man tended to come from the back, so I decided to put
an extra front man up there to track any runs. Also, Tommy was the
sole central midfielder due to his height to win the ball. Dave
G was left back and was given the go ahead to push forward when
we had the ball. Bunta was the third attacker, generally playing
behind the front two.

It actually
worked. The first half saw Staples a bit outnumbered, but we went
man-to-man and solved the problem. We did have quite a few opportunities.
The forward men wanted a clear shot on numerous occasions and didn't
take their chances. At the back we were holding up quite well until
Dunston decided to turn his man with the ball. This was after Watty
made a superb save and half the team were screaming for Dunston
to lash it. I know you're reading this Emu, so let me ask you this...if
Scott H was the one you were up against, would you try and turn
him? No.

Anyhow, we suffered a one goal deficit,
but performance was okay. We gained our just rewards when Staples
broke free to cross for Hembrough to nod the ball into the back
of the net.

Yet, in typical Sassco fashion, we
blundered. Moments after this, their team had the opportunity to
score again, but Watty saved. However, a one-two played between
a triangle of their players wasn't dealt with and Watty got lobbed
to make it 2-1. We didn't really threaten after that.

Nevertheless, we're obviously looking
at pre-season and if this is the type of performance we can put
up against a good team, I'm quite happy with it. It's TWR on Wednesday
and there's loads of drop outs due to it being an evening game.
I'm sure I'll cobble a team together, but it's a shame we can't
put the same team out against the Champions.

When
Digga lashed in the opener midway in the first half, things were
looking up.

A bleak
opening few minutes saw us camped in our own half, giving corners
away as if they were free. Aquatics (who'd beat us 6-2 earlier in
the season) looked as if they'd be giving us another walloped.

Yet we
weathered the storm. Ironic words considering the hailstorm which
eventually abandoned the match. We were struggling to put together
a team. Gourlay, Tyzack and Pearson were missing, while Gillespie
failed to show, citing the same excuse as he did on Wednesday. Nevertheless,
we managed (with Bunta's help) to get eleven players ready, which
also included myself and put on a good show. The terrible
conditions put pay to a half decent performance which saw Aquatics
gain a deserved equaliser near the end of the first half. So we
came away with a point - only our second since the opening day.

Pathetic, limp wrist performance. Only
Bunta came out of it with credit.

Midweek
games aren't really helpful. I remember with Sassco in the Tyne
& Wear League, we had a radically different side on the evenings.
This was no difference. Panic set in early, though. The list of
unavailable's read; Tyzack, Murton, Hembrough, Cook, Muers, Staples,
Gourlay, Gillespie - all good, first team regulars.

So being
resourceful like I am, I managed to get Fatty and Donkin to come
in. Murton also changed his plans and became available. Lucky for
me, Pearson also called in to say that he was okay (albeit with
a bad back). Deano also came back after throwing a typical Sassco
wobbler (it happens to all Sassco players). So from about nine players,
we had a full complement. Despite being not full-strength, I was
actually confident based on the side we had. But from there it went
tits up.

Defensively
we struggled. We couldn't keep hold of the ball. Up front, Bunta
was brilliant, but he was rapidly getting frustrated with players
around him. There wasn't any closing down and none of the basics
such as following your man when he plays a one-two. For a stretch
at the end of the first half and the start of the second, we played
some good stuff. We got tight on and closed down and caused the
opponents to make mistakes. We didn't take advantage of them, but
the fact is that they were playing across the back and after around
three passes, they panicked. We simply didn't keep this up. Closing
down is the easiest thing to do in football, but we're simply either
thick or bone-idle (or both). I didn't have a great deal of time
to do a team talk neither to explain things clearer. Also I need
to speak to players one-on-one to explain what I'm looking for.
We went 1-0 down when Critter wasn't tackled running through the
middle of the defence. They dominated the proceedings, but didn't
add to their tally in the first half. We came close, mainly from
Bunta. Herkes, partnering him, wasted too many opportunities.

Well,
to cut a long story short, they scored a second after we showed
a bit more spirit. We looked down, but eventually, Bunta scored
from a brilliant cross from Jimmy "Crouch" Donkin. It
was fully deserved from Bunta as he was caught offside when he was
on several times in the game.

Disappointing
considering that we'd just secured a new sponsor, but half expected
when I rattle off the list of genuinely good players we didn't have.
Next game v TWR at home on Saturday.

Delighted
to announce that Dave Watson has secured sponsorship for the 11-a-side
team from Milltech. This means we will be producing a new home shirt
(red colour) and will be secure to continue for the next season,
2006-2007 and most likely for 2007-2008.

Milltech are an independent company who have been helping young
people achieve nationally recognised qualifications and employment
for over twenty years. Over those years they have developed strong
links with companies both large and small throughout the Tyne and
Wear area. Many ex-Milltech learners are managers or supervisors
within these organisations and take an active role in training new
apprentices.

Milltech provides high quality work placements where young people
gain practical experience within their chosen industry. Milltech
have some of the most up to date equipment and teaching aids available.
They have always looked to combine new developments with a pioneering
approach to learning and look to maintain an innovative outlook,
an approach that has led to the company receiving national awards.
Click on to the logo to see more information about their services.

The funds will enable us to compete in next season's WCFL competition
and will also fund a new home shirt which is to be in red as shown
below. Comments are welcome as the shirt hasn't been put into production
as of yet.

15th
March 2006

News.

Still need a sponsor.

We still
need a sponsor. The League is going to come to a close quite soon,
so we need something in place before then. Be aware that if we don't
get a sponsor then we definitely won't be re-entering.

Also if we do re-enter, then I want to make changes in terms of
responsibilities. We need someone to take care of nets and corner
flags, someone to bring the water and medical supplies and I'll
remember the kit. Also we need a rota for people going to the meetings.
Remember that anyone going to the meetings gets two games free (£4).

18th
February 2006

Hendon Grange 5 Sassco.co.uk 3.

A good performance, but another lead
not held on to.

A
few disappointing aspects about our first game against Hendon Grange.
Firstly, Tommy Wilko dropped us in it saying he's babysitting. Simply
not acceptable. Don't care what the excuse is. Players have ample
time to say they are not available. Also Deano threw a bit of a
strange wobbler asking to be excused and then saying he didn't know
why he didn't want to play. So, without Emu (still hasn't paid or
even paid a part of his fine), Hembrough and also Tyzack we were
fighting an uphill battle.

Nevertheless,
Bunta answered the call and did a magnificent job in a very difficult
game. It was at the Ryhope ground where we were hammered off TWR,
but this time the performance was considerably different. We had
Ed and Mickey P in the centre midfield slot, while Stapes and Digga
were on the flanks. I had to play right back, while Jase and Danny
were centre halves. Dave G requested to play on the left - which
seemed to work and he wasn't wasted. Up front Bunta partnered Herkes.

From the
off I thought we did well. They were a large team and direct, while
we seemed not to be overawed. A mix up led to long range shot past
Watson. We didn't clear our lines and more importantly, didn't win
the second ball. Herkes soon grabbed an equaliser with superb work
from Bunta. Just before the half time, they added a second, when,
again, we didn't clear our lines quick enough.

The second half saw a host of problems. Mickey Pearson was badly
injured so we had to shuffle him forward with Herkes on the right
and Digga as full back. Dave G went in midfield. Yet it didn't seem
to affect us that badly. Bunta scored a superb long range shot and
then added a second when Jimmy "Crouch" Donkin turned
up to replace Pearson. So at 3-2 it was all to play for. Ed, with
a clear shot at goal, hit the post which could have made it 4-2.
However, Hendon came back. With the midfield pestering the defence
to push up, we lost our concentration. It doesn't change the fact
that the midfield weren't retaining the ball enough and losing it
to the opponents who were then launching it from the flanks. We
have to concentrate on defending and worrying about the offside
trap only when being caught on the break.

So, from 3-2 up, we eventually lost 5-3. Overall, it was a great
performance considering our struggles in the recent past. Attitude
seems 100% while we now tend to play to our strengths. There were
one or two long balls too many and also ms-communication (i.e. Dave
G, telling Herkes to beat a man, while I was telling him to use
a quick pass). We've got pace in the team and need to be quick and
rapid in attack. We don't need to beat our man, but have the option
of outpacing him as we did against the Dolphin. Great to see Bunta
back. I'm sure it would be outstanding to see him and Hembrough
in tandem in attack. Also it was good to have Staples, Gourlay and
Hodgson back in

Well,
what can you say. Before the game, I would have taken a draw considering
we didn't have six key players; Tyzack, Hodgson, Muers, Staples
Tommy Wilko and Gourlay. But after the game, everyone felt let down.
On reflection, the Dolphin did dominate the middle of the park and
tended to win every high ball, but we seemed a bit more clinical.

We (me
and Watty) opted for pace up front. Herkes and Hembrough, with Dixon
shifted to his less comfortable left side position and Tim Gillespie
on the right hand side, instead of Deano - who was right back. Reasoning
was that Deano tends to play further forward and not come back enough
when on the wing. Defence was the difficult part but it was solved
with Pearson and Jase as centre halves where normally it would be
Muers and Hodgson.

Key issue
on the team talk was to take our chances and not launch the ball
- which we did. Hembrough gained two goals after a mixed first half
where Dolphin controlled the game, but Pearson and Jase along with
Deano and Young P seemed to handle it well.

Second
half we went 3-0 up with Hembrough's hat-trick, but the problems
began there. Ed Cook was in midfield, but the midfield was being
swamped and more chances were being created for Dolphin. They eventually
scored with twenty minutes to go to make it 3-1. We still had glorious
chances, with Herkes and Hembrough missing easy chances. Nevertheless,
they scored with five minutes to go and got the inevitable equaliser
two minutes from time.

Disappointing:
Yes, but we didn't have our best line up out and players were playing
in awkward positions. Plus points were Herkes and Hembrough combining
well up front and with blistering pace. Also Mickey Pearson and
Jase both played really well in defence against a very physical
and huge Dolphin team. Watty also played well. But where did we
go wrong? If I had to point, it would have to be midfield. We didn't
win anything in the air and didn't cut out the crossfield balls
late on. Jase and Pearson did exceptionally well all game, but there's
only so much pressure they can take. Also, I Gash B and the Redhouse
bunch were happy as it now gives them a fighting chance to get to
the next stage - would have been better had we won, but still, they
seem quite content.

The current stats from our first friendly against the
African FC at Hendon up to the 3-3 draw with Dolphin.

Player

Apps

Goals

MoM

Mark Muers

24

10

1

David Staples

23

5

1

Michael Pearson

23

0

2

Chris Dixon

21

2

1

David Gourlay

19

4

3

Davinder Sangha

17

0

-

David Watson

13

0

1

Scott Hembrough

13

18

3

Scott Johnstone

13

5

1

Jason Amour

12

0

-

Steve Stubbs

11

0

-

Tommy Wilkinson

10

5

1

Neil Middlemiss

9

15

1

Anthony Pearson

8

0

-

Dean Robinson

8

1

1

Gav Kershaw

8

0

1

Tommy Bell

8

7

2

Wayne Greenwell

8

1

-

Mark Sammut

7

0

-

Jeff Clark

6

0

-

Chris Haldane

5

3

-

David "Bunta" Murton

5

1

-

Ed Cook

5

0

1

Jon Wardle

5

1

-

Danny Hodgson

4

0

2

John Oliver

4

0

-

Mark Cresswell

4

0

2

Gavin Rackstraw

3

1

-

Jimmy Donkin

3

2

-

Steven Herkes

3

1

-

Tim Gillespie

3

0

-

William Harper

3

0

-

Gary Tyzack

2

2

-

Michael Ross

2

0

-

Craig Charlton

1

0

-

Darren Dowell

1

0

-

Gareth Brazier

1

0

-

Keith Mouat

1

0

-

Ryan McNaught

1

1

-

Steve McDonagh

1

0

-

Steve Priestly

1

0

-

8th
February 2006

Sassco.co.uk 1 Santini FC 2.

Another lost opportunity.

A belated
match report, which is probably better considering that we've had
at least a few days to reflect on it.

The game
against Santini was a true opportunity squandered again. This time
we had a good squad bolstered by the return of Ed, Jase, Tim and
especially, Scotty H. Yet, as with Sassco, all wasn't running smoothly
as Watty was struggling with a stomach injury. Lacking all our reserve
'keepers, I was set to go in goal with my Thinsulate gloves and
no contact lenses as I knew we had a full squad. Luckily, Gav Kershaw
answered the late call and did a great job back in between the sticks.
Also thanks to Mickey P for picking him up.

So to
the game itself. The line up was as Watty wanted it. I didn't really
think it necessary for any major changes. Jase, Pearson, Hodgson
and Tim on the back line. Scotty H (replacing the injured Staples)
on the left. Ed and Dave G in the middle and Deano on the right.
Up front, we had Digga (after his goal last week) and Tommy Wilko.
I, along with Herkes and Young P, were on the sides. We started
promisingly. Scotty H and Jase combined well on the left hand side
and it wasn't too long before we took the lead. Scotty H chipped
the 'keeper and it came back off the crossbar to Tommy Wilko. We
had a few good opportunities, but the game turned flat for us once
they equalised with a speculative shot out of the sunlight.

For the
second half, I elected to change things rather drastically, amidst
much criticism later on (which I'll deal with later in the report).
Firstly, Ed said he might struggle to finish the game due to his
spell with bronchitis, so within ten minutes, I brought Herkes on
and moved Tommy in defence so that Pearson could play in midfield.
This also meant Herkes went on the left - pushing Hembrough in attack.
I was originally going to take Deano off as a straight swap with
Herkes, but made my decision and stood by it. Anyway, we started
to be more direct. The good midfield work from Ed and Dave G in
the first was swapped with crossfield balls to Herkes and Dixon
which resulted in more chances. However, we didn't take them. Almost
every forward line player had a chance to make it count, but it
didn't happen. Their 'keeper was in stunning form and his height
definitely helped claw out a good few top corner chances.

We were
running out of steam and with five minutes left, they scored. I've
forgotten to mention that they played all the second half with only
ten men. Pearson, pulling one of their players shirt in the first
half resulted in the usual swear words at the referee from the offended
player. The referee didn't see the shirt pull, but sent the player
off. So 2-1 down with five minutes left would seem that we wouldn't
have any more opportunities - but we did. I counted at least seven
opportunities. Some saves, some wide and some poorly executed. The
game petered out and the whistle blew. We were out.

So now
to the complaints about the changes. Well, to save on typing, I've
just stuck my response on the message board here:

To
me, people always seem to miss the point and look for other excuses.
We lost that game, simply because we didn't finish our chances and
NOT because of the changes made. I counted at least a dozen good
chances in the second half before and after their winning goal.
We don't put them into the back of the net, we lose. It's a simple
as that.

As for taking Ed off. He told me
at half time he might start to struggle later on, so I made the
judgement in taking him off earlier and adjusting the team instead
of doing it late on if he did struggle to finish the game. The changes
were straightforward as well. Tommy back in defence like he's been
doing every now and then which released Mickey into midfield and
Herkes on the flanks to allow Scott up front. We had pace in our
flanks and attack - but like I said, we didn't take our chances.

And I agree with the school boy
stuff. Simple passes going astray, hands on the back of players,
foul throw-ins.

Overall,
a disappointing outing. Middle of the week I expected a largish
squad with Hembrough, Cook, Gillespie and Herkes, but one by one
they couldn't make it for various valid reasons, so it was a calling
on the Harper and he did himself proud - between the sticks this
time as Watson announced that he was injured.

Problems
in paperwork reared their ugly head when the Contracting Services
hadn't informed the Complex that we were on. Luckily we managed
to sort it out, but I'll have to make sure that the paperwork is
sent in by the Council. It's not the team's or the leagues fault,
but just a requirement due to Health and Safety. No matter.

The game
went reasonably well for us. First half saw Tommy Wilko miss three
gilt edge chances, while Harper at the other end pulled off some
cracking saves. We were out of sorts later in the half. Deano didn't
really get back and help out the midfield and defence, while Pearson
was obviously ill with drink. Digga had a great game in attack -
the first outing he's had there in years and he did his duty by
grabbing the opener in the second half. By this time, we were struggling.
Danny Hodge, who had a blinder again, was struck down with a dead
leg so we were up against it. They equalised and it was on the cards.
Harper had pulled off some cracking stops, while we also cleared
off the line.

Hope,
though, as late on, Staples won a penalty when clean through. It
was captain's duty to take the penalty, but their 'keeper saved
it - good save as well. So honours even. Good game and fair result

From
the start I was positive. We had eleven players only, but those
were 100% reliable's, i.e. ones who say they will turn up and do
so. Secondly, I managed to pull together ten Sassco shirts. I lent
some to Fatty's team before Christmas and luckily had around five
in the house as well, so we can at least turn out in our new shirts
- although we can't afford to lose one, when before I had around
twenty! Also the Echo guy was there to take a nice mug shot. Now,
normally when ever we get our picture taken, we get hammered - this
time it didn't happen. We had one new comer in Tim Gillespie who
played for SNC many years ago. Also, Ed returned along with Dixon
and Pearson, so even though we only had eleven, we still had a good
side. I actually turned up on the wrong pitch and spent half an
hour removing my screw in studs only to change the pitch and find
out it was a shitter of an area. The game was playable, but I felt
like I was walking around wearing pumps.

First
half was controlled by us. In a quagmire of a pitch, Tommy Wilko
got himself two goals, with his shiny almost silk-like shorts being
one of the highlights. Firstly an excellent nod from a Muers shot
and secondly, a superb conclusion to excellent play from Staples,
Gourlay and Ed. Pearson was his partner in attack and put himself
about as did all the team. Dixon and Gillespie combined well on
the right side, while I kept Staples in control. Danny H and Emu
had superb performances at centre half. Both very decisive and strong.
Ed and Gourlay had great games in the middle.

Second
half saw a more even game. A penalty, hotly disputed by our team
got them back in it. At 2-1 it seemed nervous, but Tommy Wilko scored
a superb third for his hat-trick which liberated the team at 3-1.
We went 4-1 ahead from Man-of-the-Match, Gourlay, but let them back
in with poor defending from set pieces. It was 4-3 in the end and
a frantic last two minutes ensued. However, Santini failed to take
advantage and the scored ended the same way our friendly did back
in the long hot summer. In that game, Beam was the highlight with
two goals, while only Muers, myself and Staples (with a goal) actually
remained from the line up.

Nothing
much to say really. Possibly the lowest point for Sassco 11-a-side
for many years. We really struggled and on top of it, Wardle and
Greenwell dropped us right in it at the last minute. We managed
to muster eleven players and the only highlight was a superb defensive
performance from Danny Hodgson. First half we were 5-0 down before
a second half improvement led to a 2-2 result in the final 45 minutes.
Goals from Herkes and Jimmy Donkin, but a heavy 7-2 defeat.

First
problem was the kit. Some bastard had nicked the dirty shirt bag
out of my garage, so I spent all Friday night running around looking
for the old shirts we used to wear. Luckily I had a good few socks
and shorts ready in case. Also my two set of boots went missing
so I used Sassco's vast reserves of cash to buy a pair of £12.99
Adidas Two Stripe from JJB's. I also used my noggin and also purchase
a set of hard ground studs to avoid having to buy a pair of soft
ground blades. See, when you run Sassco you have to make every penny
count. As a footnote, I've just paid £99 to the League and
£127 to the Council for the pitch so now we don't owe anything
to anyone.

Talking
about the pitch, it was our first return to the Downhill Complex
since the 2003 season. We'd been allocated Pitch I, commonly known
as the Shippy's Field. An excellent venue, mainly because everyone
lives within walking distance of the area. Getting the nets up on
time was easy, although there was a dollop of shite at one end of
the back of the nets. No doubt, Digga would have stepped into it
had he played.

Our opponents
in the Downhill Cup were Vane Arms. We were struggling again, but
I was vastly confident as we'd done well against lower league opposition.
Yet, the loss of Hembrough, Dixon and Jase was probably one step
too far. As regulars it put a strain on the team, but we managed
to rope together a team good enough to cope. Only new addition was
Anth Pearson, Mickey's bro who did a good job for us. Cheesy was
also back and he along with Emu, were centre halves. Gourlay and
Pearson were in midfield. Watty decided to try out Deano and Tyzack
in attack, with Tommy Wilko and Anth Pearson as full backs. Stapes
was on the left.

After
around four one on one's by Tyzack, I knew it wasn't going to be
our day. To sum up the problems we have in one paragraph.

No
one apart from Emu in the team can win headers.

Too
many easy chances missed.

Lazy
shits when we lose the ball.

And
we pass the ball more time in the opponents goalmouth than we
do on the whole of the pitch.

Apart
from that, we're world beaters.....

We were
1-0 quite early and proceeded to miss chances. Second half saw a
bit of an onslaught from them before Tyzack broke clear to score
an equaliser. Yet they scored to make it 2-1 with a poor response
to a corner and then they went further ahead. 5-1, before Haldane
scored a superb chipped goal. Simple route one was how we got the
goal. We played to our strengths and put pressure on the last man
for both strikes. But we don't do it any other time.

Never
mind...Looks like Watty will be ringing the changes again next week.

Most players and others involved will
be delighted to hear that Sassco 11-a-side are now based on the
Shipwright's pitch at Redhouse. Northern Area was good, but the
distance involved was always a problem. So from 2006 onwards, we're
at Shippy's Field for home games. Thanks must go to Janine Knight
for arranging this for us.

19th
November 2005

Sassco.co.uk 2 Hetton Crown 3.

Poor performance.

When
Patty Walsh was trying to convince me that his team were struggling
today and that the game was up for grabs, I tried to do likewise.
We were missing Muers and Staples out of the regulars, which definitely
affected the overall performance which was unacceptable from the
team.

Both teams
have had a poor season so far since we played out a 2-2 draw in
the pre-season. Yet, after our two previous good performances, I
expected at least a great performance and a tight game.

We had
Jase Amour back and also Gary Tyzack making a belated debut. Beam
was also back after his new team failed to complete the forms for
his inevitable signing. I was the only sub and the team talk dwelled
on the usual stuff, including keeping it tight and giving plenty
of encouragement. Against a fellow Premier team, we needed it. But
the opening salvos were clearly in our favour. Tyzack celebrated
his debut with a goal inside five minutes, but after that, we struggled.
We didn't match them in the middle of the park and seemed to be
constantly misfiring in attack. They had the majority of the chances
and half time at 1-0 was a surprise to both teams. Patty Walsh in
their goal hadn't really been tested. Second half started and it
was the same again. Hetton, spearheaded by Sinnott, soon gained
an equaliser. We were on the rack and needed some release. It came
from Hembrough soon after with a tight ball which he won and kept
in, before beating two men to lash it past Walsh. Excellent stuff
and we were on the up. However, late on, they equalised through
a melee in the box before scoring off a corner. 3-2 down and we
seemed to lack ideas. The last ten minutes were frantic with both
teams giving it their all. However, Hetton took all the points in
both team's final encounter before the break.

Well
then, a new dawn under a new Team Coach. Watty was making the decisions
in his first game in charge. A game which was full of incidents,
such as Peter Truman being pissed out of his skull for the opponents
and falling over whilst trying to pick fights with his team mates
(funny though). Tommy Wilko having a regular clanger and each time
he did, all the players started staring at me. Digga getting shit
on himself again and so much more. The team choice wasn't too difficult
to make - mainly because we only had 11. Linley, Bunta and Cheesy
were missing, so most of the decisions were probably made. Only
choice was whether Tommy Wilko would be in attack or Mickey Pearson.
The choice went to Tommy Wilko and the decision was correct considering
that Mickey P had a cracking game at the back, while Tommy gained
his first "goal".

The first
goal came from one of Deano's many superb corner kicks. A goal mouth
scramble led to Hembrough and Wilko both laying claim to it, although
Hembro kindly gave it to Tommy. Minutes later, good work from Beam
and Gourlay set up Deano who's bending shot literally went through
the 'keeper. 2-0 up and we were coasting, but we didn't finish our
chances. Like in the Park View game, we dithered. Tommy Wilko lacked
composure, Scott Hemb wanted to score the "impossible goal",
while Beam rode many challenges but tended to fire off target. The
ones on target were superbly saved by their 'keeper. Also, they
kept whinging about the official Sassco ball and used their £10
kickabout ball just because it looked like ones they use on the
telly. Remember ignorance is dangerous. Sassco balls are up to FIFA
Approved standard and are far better than any of the efforts used
within the league.

The
second half saw more of the same from ourselves, but we were tiring
slightly and taking liberties on occasions which let them through.
They did actually score, but luckily for us, Muers had nodded a
powerful downwards ball off another superb corner which deflected
through the 'keepers legs. It failed to spur a comeback because
Hembrough finally scored his goal to make it 4-1. There were several
incidents in the game. The most devastating was Dixon discovering
that he had a streak of shit down his socks. Now those in the know
can remember his "shit on the shoe" incident at Ryhope
a few years back which led to a downturn in his superb season. This
one could cause a similar effect and boost his confidence to no
end. Although he was humiliated by the other players in the changing
rooms when most of the other players were convinced that he'd been
wearing his girlfriends knickers during the game. This all occurred
while I was in the showers booting the ball around to remove the
shit off it - which I'm sure was caused by Digga doing a clanger
of a cross bar challenge.

So, a
good day out. As expected, we seem to do well against the lower
placed teams in Division 1, while struggling in the Premier. From
an General Management point of view, it was poor. We failed to get
the required number of players there which forced both me and Watson
to play. Cheesy didn't show while Bunta, as expected wasn't available.
Sammut and Tyzack were both ill and we'd lost Rackstraw to the Northern
League - although he hasn't been here for a while. Also, Beam looks
as if he's going to sign for the Dagmar. Our lack of numbers in
the last few weeks and poor results hasn't helped so it was on the
cards for a while. Never mind. We've got the core bunch of players
in with new additions such as Deano and I'm sure more will surely
come along.

After another day of getting dropped in it at the last moment,
the mighty sassco took to the field with an OK line up.
everyone seemed happy with their positions apart from Me
and Muers, I had a tooth pulled out on thurs night and was
in some pain with the stitches and also doped up on Ibrufen
and painkillers. Muers was full of a Double mighty Burger
and a bucket full of chips as when he found out he was to
play in goal he decided that he could pig out.
Anyhows the Sassco 11 (including Dov at left back) started
well, passing the ball about like they all can, Beam and
Gourlay ran the show in midfield winning almost every first
ball and if not that every second, Staples and young Deano
gave us width and attacking strength and the crosses from
Deano were like a breath of fresh air. Both Scotty and Tommy
were hastling there defence of which their little big guy
was pissed as a fart and spent most of the game on his arse.
We were shooting for fun an if it wasn't for their Keeper
having a blinder we may of won by more than 4-1.
Defence was sound, a few hairy moments from Dov, Muers and
Pearson when they had swung for the ball and missed the
twat but they recovered well. Digga played well at right
back, he settled in to the role well, like a pig in shit
(horses shit).
At the beginning of the game I said to the team don't criticise
each other and support each other and we did for most of
the game until about 15 mins from the end when Gourlay decided
to have a go at Muers, we were 4-1 up so what was the point,
we need to keep the criticism out of our game, we are a
team of 11 who pays to play football cos we enjoy it, this
might be why people don't stay with the team long because
of the bitching on the pitch, other seasons it was always
Stubba getting it and at one stage every one was, it is
not on,as we have seen when we have depleted sides that
if we join together we win.
Only a couple of points to make about the performance, we
need to defend as a unit and pick up on corners and set
plays, that's how they scored an unmarked, unchallenged
header at the back post. What else we need is as well is
for midfield and defence to close the gap a bit as we sit
too deep especially later on in the game when we get tired,
Wingers to support their full backs a bit more and get back,
on corners either pick up their full backs or take positions
on the posts (staples does) this might have stopped their
goal.

All in all a good performance, not many things need changing
and I think we will start winning more games if we are enjoying
the game, we do need an injection of fresh players into
the squad, in all positions if you think you can be a Sassco
warrior contact Dov and we will see about taking you aboard.

Thanks lads for your effort today.

Wotty
Coach

1st
December 2005

Game cancelled.

Hetton Crown v Sassco.co.uk (League).

Game is cancelled.

26th
November 2005

Game cancelled.

Redhouse FC v Sassco.co.uk (League).

Game was cancelled today. The bad
weather over the previous few days put pay to any chances of it
kicking off. The weather actually brightened up prior to the kick
off time, but the pitch was waterlogged anyway. In a way, very lucky
for ourselves. We'd lost both our centre halves and dissent seems
to be growing within the team, which isn't surprising considering
the very poor results. Personally, I've lost a great deal of interest
in it, but that's due to life changes at the moment (new job, house
extension, etc.) If anyone wants to take over coaching duties then
I'm happy to fulfill the role of General Manager. But the team starting
line up is selected by me and the subs always come on at half time.
Positions, etc. can be chosen by the Coach (or Player/Coach).

I think the team needs a shake up,
not necessarily in line ups and positions, but maybe more of a injection
of new ideas and more professionalism. Personally I've only ever
really been classed as Team Selector rather than Coach, which is
why I think the change needs to be made now, just on the back of
a good win.

19th
November 2005

Sassco.co.uk 3 Park View 1.

Nice to get a win. Haldane, Hembrough
and Emu on the scoresheet.

About
time too. Park View's recent results have been positive against
some of the more stronger teams, and with our diabolical attitude
in the last game - I was sure we were going to struggle. To top
that off, we lost some key players, regulars at that. Gourlay, Dixon,
and Rackstraw. Sammut was still injured while I daren't ask Wardle,
Greenwell and co just in case they'd drop us in it. The only addition
was Dean Robinson who was coming in on the back of an 8-1 walloping
off Wearview.

Immediately,
we were on top and practically camped in their half, we failed to
breakthrough with goals after some near misses. Most of Park View's
opportunities came from counterattacks, but luckily, these were
broken up by the midfield, with Beam having one hell of a game.
Unfortunately, they scored from one of their rare forays into our
penalty box. Cheesy's leg tangled with one of theirs and the ref
gave them a penalty. For me, panic set in a bit. We'd been playing
well and come ever so close, but as usual, didn't take our chances.
I thought this was going to be another one of them days, similar
to the 2-2 v Silksworth a few months back. However, we eventually
equalised. Haldane, who himself had a very good game struck a clean
shot from a cross ball which came from good work from Beam, Wilko
and Hembrough. 1-1 and it was crucial that we had the goal before
the half ended. Second half saw us push on - although the game was
a bit more quiet. The pitch was becoming cut up now and it was difficult
to keep our bearings. Most, having worn hard ground studs, were
now suffering as the pitch turned into a quagmire. Yet for ourselves,
the outcome was positive. Watty made a superb save at a crucial
time as on occasions we broke through and were top heavy with too
many going forward. Yet, after some near misses, Hembrough fired
in the goal to give us the lead - this was not too long after he
hit the post. As the game wore on, we got tired and injuries to
Haldane and Muers didn't help. We had no substitutes so from time
to time, our forward players dropped in deep to compensate. With
around six minutes remaining, Emu started to drift forward, while all he heard from me was "Emu, where you going?" but luckily
for him, he struck a clean long range shot which was practically
unstoppable to give us a much needed 3-1 win.

So all
in all, a very good performance with a weakened team. Beam was the
outstanding player on the day, but all the others had their moments.
Deano came in and did a cracking job, like Cressy and Bunta before
him, so hopefully he'll become a regular and give us a few good
games before buggering off to warm some big teams bench (only joking).
We've got to be realistic that we are doing well against lower division
opposition and on reflection it was a mistake heading into the big
league. But at the start of the season, we had a hell of a squad
ready which has slowly broken away. Yet we still plug on and tend
to enjoy the victories and good performances when they come. Also,
good to see nets up and down with all helping and Emu and Haldane
helping out with team sheets, etc.

Generally
when someone says that they are available to play, they turn up.
Obviously this doesn't apply to the likes of Donkin, Wardle and
Greenwell. A text from Donkin said "Alright mate we are stuck
on the m6 we r neva going 2 make it". Typical. We were also
missing Sammut, Haldane and Hembrough, but I knew that well in advance.

So three
players down and a game against Aquatics was going to be pretty
difficult. Yet I managed to cobble together a team. Tommy Wilko
was there and this time I managed to get his proper number off him.
So ironically, we had a full team with one sub and Exley was on
his way as well - just in case.

The game
itself was a disaster. Firstly the ref, David Nevin, started blaming
me for not telling him where the pitch was! Northern Area - Christ
almighty, god help me if I'm getting mugged on the pitch and I decide
to call the coppers and David gets the call. Only joking really.
Should have been more specific, but Northern Area is its official
name as shown on the Council list as well as the A to Z.

From the off, Aquatics were all over us. We had no pride at all
and completely looked out of it. If it wasn't for Watty, we'd have
suffered more than the single goal in the first half.

Half time
I dwelled on the fact that we got away with it and we should take
advantage this half. Yet we didn't. With me screaming for our team
to mark someone on my side of the pitch, saw that same unmarked
player score the second. Indecisiveness led to a quick third and
Watty did his shoulder in during the process. So, Dunston went in
goal and I came into left back position. It was then that Gourlay
scored a delightful looping shot which gave us the impetus to spring
into life. Another goal from Aquatics didn't deaden the spirit as
we had been coming closer. Staples then scored a cracking left foot
volley from good work by Beam, before the game concluded with more
goals from Aquatics including the final one which came from the
unfortunate Cheesy, who scored an own goal, but overall he had a
competent game.

None of
us played that well, apart from Watty. Tommy gave it his all in
attack, but was caught offside too many times. Stapes did good to
get his goal, while Mickey P and Beam struggled in the middle due
to being outnumbered. Gourlay's first game back was reasonable considering
the long lay off, but topping it off with a goal was the high point.
Digga had a bit of a poor one, but he tends to be more comfortable
in the full back role now. Both centre halves, Dunston and Racky
did quite well, but sometimes caused a panic by trying to dribble
the ball out. I suppose I did what I could when I got on.

So to
conclude. Poor game overall for us. I really can't abide the fact
that players drop me in it - especially the semi-regular ones. This
is the second time it's happened so there's no way I can call on
them again as I can see some of the regulars buggering off with
so many bad results behind us. Back to square one - we'll see how
it goes next week.

Game has been cancelled. All the council
pitches have been called off.

22nd
October 2005

Sassco.co.uk 0 Castletown Snooker 5.

Adequate start, but poor second half.

You,
know, I think it's a waste of time sometimes me producing the squad
line up during the week and announcing it on the site. Firstly,
Racky said he'd be struggling due to him being down Leeds - which
is fair enough as I was told on Friday. Then Sammut completely went
amiss. No answer to any calls etc. Could be something serious so
I have to rest judgment before plunging in. Then, of all people,
Greenwell, apparently desperate to make a comeback, drops me in
it on the same day saying that he thought we had enough...we
never have enough. The prick was getting his hair done! (his
fucking hair done!). It's these reasons which make me think I should
just jack it all in.

Therefore, playing a game against a
full-strength Castletown was going to be a bit of a pain. We did
manage to get the full complement together including Jimmy Donkin
who hadn't kicked a ball in anger for us despite being signed on.
Also, we got a bit of surprise at the ground as Tommy Wilkinson
was there. Tommy Wilko did great in the 6-a-side over the past few
years, but vanished from sight. I promptly signed him on the line
(with approval from the opposition manager) with a view to playing
him in the second half.

The
game started off in awkward conditions. The pitch had a splattering
of puddles which caused both teams problems. But we held our own
together quite well spurred on by support from Redhouse FC incumbents,
Hunt, Gash and Keith. Fatty Wardle, making his long awaited return,
played very well and even gained himself a yellow card (for his
gob, not a bad challenge). He tended to combine well with Hembrough
up front, but some pot shots just didn't fall our way and near the
end of the half, we lost a goal as Barry Cook struck from distance.
This came after a lengthy stoppage, but we still kept our heads
up and reasoned that we had a chance.

The second half put pay to this when they scored after another opening
which was evenly balanced. This time it was the superb Duffy, who
played for Sassco 11-a-side (once) and also won a cup with the 6-a-side
team during the famed 2002 cup run. Wardle went off injured while
Scotty Johnstone also struggled. I had to come on myself for the
last thirty or so minutes, but didn't enjoy the experience. Mainly
because I'd spent all day running around arranging things. To be
perfectly honest, I really can't be arsed. I'm happy handling the
kit, the finances and selecting the team. The other bits and bobs,
such as team sheets, sorting out payments for the referee, ringing
in results, confirming the game a few days beforehand are causing
problems as I'm already running about sorting out a botched (or
should I say delayed) house extension, looking for a new job and
also sorting out our lasses mistakes.

Never
mind, we gave it our best shot with what we had, but their remaining
goals came from Cook (a brilliant header which Donkin failed to
cut out) as well as one from Mark McDermott and then one from Lee
Cresswell. One of the latter two goalscorers scored when a corner
wasn't cut out and the player lashed it in from the edge of the
area. So a heavy defeat (we've never encountered a narrow defeat!),
but there's not a lot I can do especially when the regulars drop
me in, as opposed to the non-regulars. I'll see the situation this
coming week and look to sign a few reliable's on. Also, hopefully,
Dave G will be back soon as well. For this game, though, Stapes
and Pearson did well in the mud and Pearson gets the nomination
for Man-of-the-match. Holly didn't have the impact like he did last
week, but the pitch was probably to blame for that. Defensively,
Jimmy Crouch struggled a bit, but Muers did well again, although
he was at fault for at least one goal when he shouted for it and
didn't act decisively enough. Digga played well as he could but
again, the pitch probably caused more problems for our style of
football than it did for the opponents.

Also, don't mean to gloat, but poor young Cressy
was left straddling the sideline having signed on and Tommy Bell
got barely fifteen minutes of action as by that time they were 4-0
up and cruising. But that's what happens when you smell the success
with other teams, there's no way they'd change that team line up
now, especially with a lot of regulars back and also Nellie on the
sidelines. Duffy also came back from injury as well so the two young
ones have to look to see what they want - a medal which no one will
remember in the long run, or a regular berth with a team which had
the potential, but will struggle to make it due to some "unreliable's."
Happy to have you two back in if you want later in the season if
you're not getting much action.

There
are many events which gain a stranglehold on the human psyche. Events
such as Churchill's, "we shall fight them on the beaches..."
words. Neil Armstrong's seminal words on mans first ever steps on
another world. Kennedy's speech at the Berlin Wall. Dirty Den and
now the Mitchell's coming back to Eastenders.

The Tash's return to a competitive game for Sassco is such an event.

After last weeks disorganised effort, despite a good performance
coming out of it, I knew we were going to struggle this week. With
Manchester United facing off against SAFC at the Stadium, most of
my non-regulars were there. Rackstraw, Cressy to name the main ones.
Also Sammut did a on the spot, dirty drop out, but luckily for me,
both Beam and also Craig Charlton (signed on the line) were fit
and ready. Haldane also came in to the fold and Hembrough returned
after missing last week.

So,
the opponents were of the same standard as Silksworth, in my opinion,
so I left nothing to chance. The pitch was also tiny which normally
causes us a host of problems. Yet we played to our strengths. Quick
passing and stunning movement. Tommy Bell spearheaded the attack
and caused many problems for the opponents. A corner kick was received
with a bullet header from Emu. The second strike was a penalty won
by Staples, with one of the most spectacular dives ever. It was
coolly dispatched by Hembrough, as we restrained Emu who was chomping
at the bit - although the 'keeper nearly got his hand to it. Bell
eventually got his just rewards with a third goal to give us a very
comfortable start.

Second half was similar. Beam, who's
midfield work with Pearson was outstanding, scored from a Bell free
kick while two further crackers from Hembrough (my choice for Man-of-the-match)
gave Sassco a very comfortable win. The football was good and the
last two performances have been nothing short of excellent. The
Tash's running shouting match with Muers was one of the highlights.
"You're like the step son I never had," said Harper. While
Muers responded, "You're like the step dad who never cared..."
Yet the partnership seems to be coming to fruition. Both complement
each other. Stapes on one flank and Holly on the other both played
well. Holly in particular had another great game after playing in
one of the earlier friendlies. Also his corner kicks were a peach.
Everyone looked as if it was going to lead to goal had it not been
for the onion shaped heads of some of our players. Also the back
line was good. Digga, storming forward, gave Bell a goal, while
Scotty H looked "wasted at left back". Watty also commanded
his back area and tipped a few spectacular ones over the bar. It's
a shame the camera wasn't on. Up front, Bell was excellent as always,
while Charlie started slowly, but managed to control the ball in
some awkward areas to get other into play.

Great performance lads. We'll just
have to keep it up for the next game. It was also good to see players
inter-switching during the game once they took a knock. Great initiative
taken and good work as everyone seems to be closing together and
genuinely enjoying it now after the recent "purge" of
players..

After
such a tumultuous week, I knew we'd struggle badly to get a full
squad out. However, I had high hopes. We had Watty back and I was
really pleased that Emu and Gav Rackstraw worked so well in centre
defence. Tommy Bell was also available. The missing persons list
was considerable. Jase decided that he'd had enough. John O was
still injured (long term). Minnie had decided to join his mates
at Foremost, which wasn't a problem, but he was still unavailable
due to injury. Scotty H was down at Old Trafford. I got a jolt on
Friday night when Dave Gourlay told me he was fooked for a good
while with a crushed arm. So, the emergency texts went out to tell
all that they definitely had to be there.

But on the day, Bunta didn't turn up
(he was in the town and he forgot) which means that he's dropped
now, as he did something similar before on the same day (i.e. he
was injured but didn't let me know until the day). Beam, also very
disappointingly, was either pissed or fooked. Will have to find
out later in the week.

So I had to fill in. I was at left back, while
I had to put Cressy on in attack with Tommy Bell (who was also injured
and originally wanted to be left back). In the middle we had Sammut
and Pearson. Digga on the right and Stapes on the left. In goal
was Watty and it was great to have him back as in the first half
melee he was springing up all over the place like the good old days.
The commanding from the back was a breath of fresh air as we were
up against a very strong side. Despite this, we conceded two bad
early goals. They type that you hate – you know the ones where you
win the ball and then lose it cheaply. At 2-0 we still kept our
heads up and proved to be strong. Tommy Bell and Cressy had come
close on occasions, but Tommy broke through and put one away. He
was definitely our man-of-the-match as I've never before seen a
single person torture a team so much. Every time he had it, something
happened. We let in a very poor goal to give them a 3-1 lead. Barry
Cook, in the middle of the penalty box, was surrounded by four of
our lot. He received a perfect pass and struck. But again, we hit
back. Digga, who really played well on the right, sent in a looping
shot/cross which deceived everyone (including himself) so it was
3-2.

Second half saw more of the same. They went
4-2 up and then 5-2 up. We were cheesed off, in between, both Tommy
Bell and Cressy came close again after poor defending from their
back line. Yet we weren't finished. Tommy Bell struck again and
within moments had another. It was 5-4 – we plugged away for the
equaliser but it never came as legs gave way. In the final seconds,
Barry Cook scored so it was 6-4.

One hell of a game. Castletown have
a reputation for being rough and ready, but this game was played
in exemplary fashion. Both teams really went at it and gave each
other a lot of respect. From my point of view, I couldn't be happier.
After so many genuinely shit (yes shit) performances since after
the Darlington game, we all ganged together and gave it as much
as we could. This was without key players as well. Scotty and Dave
G were a miss, but the lack of Beam is a worry. I can't have players
dropping me in it on the day. That just doesn't happen in Sassco,
because normally the culprits don't get a second chance.

We now seem to have some openings within the squad. I'll see during
this coming week to see if we want to add any more permanents on.
We currently have two slots for definite available. After that,
we'll see the situation.

As most have seen from the message board, Jase Amour, Gavin
Kershaw and Neil Middlemiss have left the squad. All went amicably
and good luck to them. They've performed well while playing for
Sassco and, who knows, we could get together again sometime in the
future. Also, Dave Watson has returned to the fold after spending
a week at Lourdes and getting miraculously healed from his gammy
arm. We'll see how long he keeps together before bits start falling
off during games.

So, we're
two players down. Also John Oliver is injured long term, but generally
he's available with Jason so I will speak to him once he's fit and
ready to rejoin the team. Middlemiss was also injured for a few
weeks as well. We now have 14, 100% regulars and this doesn't include
me. I will see what the situation is like over the next few games
to see if we need to add in any more regulars. I've already had
suggestions from Beam, Gourlay and also another player from another
club contacting me. All are genuinely good players, but like I said,
we'll see over the next few weeks.

1st
October 2005

Silksworth Lord Seaham 2 Sassco.co.uk 2.

Silksworth 7-6 on penalties.

Another
week, another cup we've been knocked out in. Very disappointing
performance, especially in the second half. First was quite decent.
For a tall team, Silksworth conceded a very long range free-kick
which bounced over their own huge 'keeper and prior to this, one
of Scott Johnstone's throw-ins led to the opener.

We simply couldn't get out of our
own half in the second half and, to be honest, if Silksworth had
some more composure on the ball, they would have easily scored a
few more. The first came from a failure by Pearson and Johnstone
to get the ball through to Murton, while the equaliser was a superb
speculative shot which Gav couldn't reach. I only wish our lads
in attack were a bit more accurate and showed more decisiveness.
Time and time again, we broke through, but dithered on the ball
and eventually got it taken off us. The wind didn't help us, but
that's no excuse, we needed that third and elusive goal which would
have sealed it. The only positives out of the game are Beam's superb
performance in midfield and the defensive duo of Gav Rackstraw and
Mark Muers (yes Muers) both having good games. What was disappointing
was the inability to take any more chances despite opportunities
and also lack of closing down in the middle.

It then went to penalties and, you
guessed it, Dunston missed in our second kick. Despite that, they
also missed, but further misses from Murton, then Rackstraw left
them to secure the winning penalty. Very disappointing. We were
poor, we still need to get tight and close down more. Next week
we've got the rough and ready Castletown Snooker to play against,
so some changes in areas are definitely needed. I'm happy with the
squad now - just need to get the work rate off the ball up for the
whole of the game.

To
save time, I've not changed the subheading just above. "Disaster
in defence, bad finishing up front." is the exact same reason
why we lost against Redhouse FC last week and it's reared it's ugly
head again. We did have a strong side out again. Stapes, Jase and
Sammut were missing, but Beam, Ed and Cresswell were back, so it
seems that when we lose a few good players, there's always other
lads who come in. We've got a regular squad of 15 and the rest are
classed as non-regulars.

Anyway, team talk focused on avoiding
the long ball and making sure that we're tight, man-to-man, when
we don't have it. The thing that cheesed me off was that we started
against 8 or 9 men as their lads hadn't turned up. Our football
was good, we have a few good openings, but that seems to be our
lot this season. We shaved the post, their 'keeper made a few good
stops and we missed some really one-on-ones. And to top it all off,
they scored on their first break. I can't even remember what happened.
I looked up and their lad was clear on and struck the opener. Gav
had no chance. All I heard was someone mumbling that someone else
lost the ball in a bad place and that was it.

So, despite this, our first half was
really good. We created chances and to be honest, I was sure that
our pace in attack would soon result in more goals. Our defence
at the back looked strong as well for a change. Ed and Stubba were
clearing their lines and Digga, who had one of his best games, was
coping easily. Cresswell came into his own and was our man-of-the-match
by far. We did equalise. Again, I can't remember exactly what happened,
but Hembrough was through on and made no mistake (although he did
try chip the 'keeper earlier on). So it was 1-1.

Second
half was called and I was looking forward to it now. But that's
where the problems began. Firstly, Tommy Bell wanted to come off
as he'd done his knees in. But we had an able replacement in Beam.
I was advised to put him in midfield (which I was going to) to "mix
it" a bit as they were quite physical, but had to change and
plonked him on the right, Minnie now up front and Muers on the left.
Yet within moments of the second half starting, he'd done his achilles
in and had to hobble off. John Oliver, coming back after a good
two months out had to fill in on the right wing. Unfortunately now,
we'd lost all our pace. Minnie was struggling and Hembrough seemed
isolated in attack. At the other end, the typical Sassco pissing
about routine happened when, instead of launching it, we played
ourselves into trouble and they scored. I can't blame the back line,
because none of them are really classed as defenders. It looks good
when things are going for us, but when we need someone to take responsibility
and hoof it, we haven't got that person. I'm still crying out for
a good decent centre half. It's a shame we have to build now when
we should have during the pre-season, but that's the way it goes.

Anyway, we were 2-1 down and it just
seemed to drift away from us. I stress man-to-man marking all the
time but the opponents weren't even pressured at all. I keep getting
excuses about the opponents playing with five in midfield or three
up front, but the fact remains that if you have 10 outfield players
marking their 10 opponents then it will work. There's no point me
telling, for example, Hembrough to drop in midfield to compensate,
when all five midfielders don't get tight on. Come on lads - it's
common sense. When we don't have the ball and you're tight on your
opponents, then they'll think twice before passing to him. We also
started launching it instead of through balls. From the sidelines
there were great gaps where a perfect ball could have been threaded
through, but it didn't happen - although it's easier noticing it
from the side. Inevitably we went 4-1 down. By now, the opponents
had eased off a bit and we got ourselves a few chances. Minnie nearly
scored from kick off, but it was achingly wide. Muers also had a
good chance, but our heads dropped and we ran out of ideas.

This was a league encounter so we've
dropped the points badly. It's away to Silksie next week, so at
least we've got a couple of away days now, but still I'm struggling
to come to terms with the defeats. We've got the strikers to put
the chances away, but it's not happening and, in theory, the defenders
are good. But it's not clicking. Perhaps losing Greenwell and Wardle
has affected us badly, but that was out of our control as they and
other players do have priorities. We'll see if we can get a good
centre half. I for one won't sign one unless he's highly recommended
or that I've seen him on the 6-a-side stage first. Paul Mouat is
ideal and he doesn't play for this signed team (Castletown Snooker),
but he has the transfer form so it's down to him now.

It
was our big re-match against Redhouse FC. I was uneasy, but put
the strongest possible side out. We were missing Staples, but had
Corby added into the team. Ironically, within moments of each other,
Stapes contacted me to say he was available and Corby to say he
wasn't. Nevertheless, there were no excuses. The team I put out
was one that I was fully confident in.

The team talk firstly singled out
the muppets who haven't been putting the nets up. A rota will be
in force for next week where five or six players will do one net
and the rest will do the other. Not good enough. I gave enough time
for volunteers, but it only seems to be Sammut, Jase, John O and
Dixon that do it. The talk also dwelled on decisiveness. There's
nothing more I hate in a performance than players dithering on the
ball in defence. I was very happy with the strike force though.
We did identify their pacy forwards, Butler and Wilson as a threat,
but apart from that the teams were balanced.

A shame the performance wasn't. In
the first twenty to thirty minutes we more than matched them. We
took the game to them and had several good chances. One from Muers
- which he hit straight at Davison in goal, and one from Staples
- which he hit straight at Davison in goal. Other chances included
Scotty H lifting it over the bar as well as Pearson doing the same.
The big problem was at the other end. I told Stubba to be in control
of John Butler, but he ignored me, which pissed me off considering
that poor Sammut was left on his arse with an attempted swipe at
Butler before he got the opener - against the run of play. It continued
with ourselves giving a good account before they scored again. Now
it was a bit of a disaster. They got two more (including one just
before the half time).

For the second, Digga came off to
be replaced by Bell. As expected, when a team's 4-0 up, they take
their foot off the pedal, so we had our chance. We played it the
way we should do, by quick short passing which resulted in Hembrough's
goal. We kept the pressure on, but still the long ball played by
Redhouse caught us out. Comical defending led to the fifth goal
from Redhouse, and to be honest, they should have added more than
the final 6-1 score line showed. Gav Kershaw made a few good stops,
but overall we were really poor.

Dixon played okay but some of the
clearances were indecisive. Sammut, going forward with the ball
was good, but looked very uncertain when against a tricky and pacy
centre forward, but then again, he is one of my famous, converted
centre-halves. Another conversion (if that's what you can call him)
Stubba didn't have a clue into getting tight on to his man. As a
defender, he's very good, but discipline is lacking as he wants
to do more. Before the game, Jase's lack of pace was my great fear,
but he played very well. He got stuck in and, like last week, made
some good passes in the second. Staples did okay, but some of his
easy passes were poor. Good in their final third though. Bunta looked
lost. Great on the ball, but it's more important what he does when
not on the ball. Pearson had a very good game. Gave it his all and
is my personal nomination for man-of-the-match. Hembrough really
needs to stay on his last man. His opposite, Wilson and Butler both
did the same, but Hembrough and Minnie are probably faster than
them. Both strikers need to work in tandem. With their pace, they
really need to take advantage of it, especially against slow defenders.
But when the team was struggling, they came deeper and deeper like
most would in that situation. Tommy Bell, came on when we'd lost
it. Did well, but all the strikers shooting boots were probably
left at home. Back to the drawing board. One thing's for certain
- I really need a good centre half. A "Dave Robason" if
any are out there (or the man himself). So I have to advertise.
The wages are shite (i.e. you pay me), but the publicity is excellent.
I'll have you turned into a superstar within weeks.

But seriously, to summarise, here
are the main problems:

Lack of decisiveness. Defenders
need to get your foot through it.

Poor finishing, which I'd consider
a one-off.

No understanding of man-to-man
marking. We can kill a game off if we do it and concentrate on
it.

Using the long high ball. We
play it short and sweet instead of panicking and launching it
when no options are on

Goalkeeper should react quicker
and come out (a la Davo).

Simple passing. Pass along the
floor.

I'll be making some changes for next
week for definite. I'd consider the forward situation to be a one-off.
I can't comprehend the chances missed so I'll assume that next week,
all will be firing on all cylinders. Remember the goalmouth is quite
large - so you don't need to shoot at the 'keeper. Sassco do my
head in sometimes, especially with results like this. When we lose
- WE LOSE....nurse! take me back to the dark place.....

It
was panic stations during the week. I couldn't get hold of quite
a few players as some were injured and some simply couldn't be reached.
However, the biggest problem was our lack of numbers in defence.
Stubba was missing, while Greenwell, Donkin and Wardle were going
to be busy getting knocked out of the same competition we were in.
So I drafted in some non-regulars (as shown further down in the
news items on this site). Ed Cook and Mark Cresswell came in, but
previous unprobables, Beam, Murton and Sammut were available so,
luckily for the team, I had been edged out off the subs bench.

Also, I ballsed up with the referee.
I was meant to contact him five days before the game, but me being
crap as Joint Team Sec. (come back Boothy - I'll pay you), didn't
realise until too late. But a few phone calls later we had one,
courtesy of DFA Boss, John Topping. I came clean. I said I completely
screwed it up instead of making excuses, which meant I wasn't trying
to make a monkey out of anyone. So a handy tip. If you screw up,
come clean, DFA and WCFL will help out as much as they can (unlike
our previous Sat morning league which shafted us/me at every opportunity).
So we had our referee, but the said referee mentioned that the corner
flags were too small so we had to remove them, so I'll be hit with
a small fine. But I'll hold my hands up again and say it was my
screw up. Really need some help in this admin stuff from anyone.
Jase helps out by going to the meetings, which is a big part of
it, but I could do with some admin staff if anyone's interested
(ringing results in, contacting referees to confirm the game, getting
details from the opposing teams after a game).

Got
to be honest, I had no idea about the opponents, but coming from
a WMC, you'd expect them to be strong. They certainly looked the
part when they turned up (late, but they had come all the way from
Darlo). I had my team set out already. Bunta, Beam and Cressy were
subs, while Hembrough was back with Minnie in attack. Stapes, Gourlay
(new captain), Pearson and Emu were in the midfield, while Jase
and Digga were on the full back positions. Partnering Sammut at
centre half was Ed Cook. Gav Kershaw was in goal.

We started cautiously. The opponents
did most of the running and there a few scares, purely out of indecisiveness,
but within a few minutes we settled down. Strict instructions to
play it along the floor with a quick one-two-three then through
ball approach seemed to be working. Both Minnie and Hembrough literally
tore the opponents apart. Minnie scored two goals while Hembrough
also helped himself to two. We were strong, we kept the pressure
off our back four by keeping the passing short and sweet. With Sassco,
we've got so many good ball players who are all comfortable, so
the launching it forward method only applies to panic situations
in defence. But those were few and far between. Gav Kershaw (barely
awake, thirty minutes before the game itself) didn't have any shot
to save for all the first half and most of the second. There was
only one time he came into action and made a superb save.

The second half, saw direct subs with
Murton and Beam on for Stapes and Sammut. Muers volunteered for
the central defence role and despite a few raised eye brows, we
surely wouldn't lose it now. To his credit, Dunston had a cracker
of a half. The highlight which was a huge clearance which crashed
off the upright with the opposing 'keeper beaten. By this time,
all the players were enjoying their roll about in the mud and it
was surprising that Hembrough got himself goal number five for the
team and his own hat-trick. Minnie tried his best to keep up, but
was getting caught offside on several occasions - unluckily, but
he did set up several good chances.

So to conclude, a great game and mud
caked conditions. The defence looked calm. Ed Cook did a great job
slotting in as centre half, despite this not being his favoured
positions. Also, Jase played very well, pushing forward and laying
off simply and highly effective passes. Cressy came on late did
really well. It's scary that him and Bunta are still only 16. No
fear. I'm sure Cressy will feature again, despite being classed
as a non-regular player like Ed Cook. This was my first appearance
on the sidelines in this competitive season and I was very pleased
with what I saw. The most important thing was that everyone enjoyed
it and everyone had a good game. It also helped that Stapes rang
up Fatty after the game and found out they'd lost.

Ed Cook is now signed on for us. Ed
played several times in our first season and was most memorable
in giving us a 15 minute warm up just prior to our 15-1 thrashing
off Mountain Daisy. Luckily, we have no concept of a pre-match warm
up now so Ed will be filling in as a centre half or somewhere along
the midfield. Ed can only make it for the games when SAFC are not
at home, but has signed on to be there when we're short or require
his immense talents.

Anthony "Corby" Richardson
has also signed on. Corby was a key member in our first ever win
back in 2002, against Hogans (we were 2-0 down). He's also been
a regular member of the 6-a-side squad on and off for the past five
years or so. He, like Ed, will not be a regular but will be called
upon in the future if we ever have a shortage like this week.

Mark Cresswell has also signed on.
Playing for Hylton Castle in the Tuesday and Thursday League, he
and Bunta, revived the team and since then, they've become a force
in the league and will be for the forseeable future. As mentioned,
he is signed, but as a non regular. Our main squad has been trimmed
to 16 players, the remaining classed as non-regulars who'd help
out if required (I'm sure).

3rd
September 2005

Sassco.co.uk 3 Redhouse FC 3.

Astounding comeback from 2-0 down.

Well,
I was missing, but here's the gist of things. Almost a full team
available, apart from Hembrough. Went 2-0 down with some diabolical
defending (Pearson, whatever were you thinking?). Then Dunston grabbed
a lifeline at the end of the half. Second half, on came Bunta and
combining well with Tommy Bell and Minnie, we got back into it with
goals from Tommy Bell and then Bunta. Dropped points for Redhouse
for sure, but that's what we'd say if we were 2-0 up.

Best thing out of it, from my point
of view, was the comeback performance. Normally we'd be dead and
buried as we were against Newbottle in a friendly a few weeks back,
but against, and let's not kid ourselves, a very, very strong outfit,
we came back and the forward players were outstanding. Greenwell
moving to centre half tightened things up, but admittedly we got
tortured by John Butler and need to resolve this problem before
we play them in two weeks time. Hopefully, Hembrough should be back
by then as well, but really proud of Bell and Bunta. I remember
our last competitive season, Wardle, Dixon and Emu were the only
options in attack and the pressure was too much for them, but this
season, having Minnie and Hembrough along with Beam, seems to have
transformed the options we have. And the advantage is that all can
play either in attack or on the flanks.

Also a big thank you has to go to Tarnjit Sangha for organising
nets, kits, etc while I was in Flamingo Land (Sutton Bank's a bastard
isn't it?). Also great to see the Tash involved. I really wanted
him there to encourage the lads and to start believing in themselves.
The Tash himself understands what Sassco can do and puts his point
across straight up. Also big cheers to Mickey Pearson, Dave Gourlay
and Chris Dixon for handling the transport. Normally I'm there to
take some pressure off the lift situation, but everything seems
to be running like clock work when I'm not there.

The only downside is that Fatty has put his Saturday mornings above
Sassco in the afternoon so he won't really be actively involved.
I'll probably call on him in good notice when we're really short,
but turning up late to the game wasn't a good sign neither. Stubba's
told me he's choosing Sassco first, but he's away next week anyway
so there wouldn't have been a clash. Not sure about Greenwell. Love
to keep him in the side, but if he wants to put Saturday mornings
first, then he'll be de-selected and probably only called on when
we're really short. Missing were Hembrough, Beam and Oliver (and
me) so we do seem to have enough players to cope. Waynes a good
player and will be a miss, but we sometimes over-rely on him (as
we do when we have a decent 'keeper in between the sticks - i.e.
Kershaw, Watty, etc) so we might be able to compensate instead of
forcing him to shoulder all the problems.
The below match report is written in impeccable style by our very
own David "wasted at left back" Gourlay.

A great opening day to the season threatened to go pear shaped early
on. Digga was due to pick Greenwell up at 1pm from the Torrens but
he wasn't there, he was making his own arrangements with Fatty and
Stubba, not that Digga knew. It was 1:45pm and there was still no
sign of Greenwell, Stubbs and Fatty. Rumour has it that Fatty was
desperate for a burger and was at McDonalds. Staples rang him up,
the rumour was confirmed. They finally arrived at 1:50pm. A team
talk from Tanj and Billy Harper fired the team up and the positions
were announced. Gav Kershaw was in goal, the back four from right
to left was Pearson, Amour, Sammut and Stubbs, in Midfield was Muers,
Greenwell, Gourlay and Staples and up front was Middlemiss and Bell.
On the bench was Wardle, Dixon and Bunta.

Redhouse kicked off and were clearly the better side in the opening
exchanges, Sassco kept getting caught out with the ball over the
top of the defence and it wasn't long before they scored with a
lob over Kershaw. This was not good, it was clear that from early
on that there seem to be a lack of communication at the back. Redhouse
went further ahead after 25 minutes through an error from Mickey
Pearson. Instead of clearing his lines Pearson dwelled on the ball
and Butler nicked in to slot home. This was a bad start and could
have been worse as Redhouse were guilty of missing a few chances
from only 6 yards out. Normally Sassco's heads would drop but not
this time. Sassco started to get more involved in the game and were
playing some nice football. Shortly before the break Sassco pulled
one back with some good skill from Bell to provide Muers with a
pass which he neatly scored after initially bad control. Sassco
now had some hope.

At half time we all had a chat and realised that the game was there
for the taking, Redhouse clearly underestimated us and we probably
did as well. Muers and Pearson came off at half time and were replaced
by Digga (who was looking worse for where after dancing the night
away) and Bunta. Muers was probably a little unlucky to be subbed
as he was seeing plenty of the ball from the right.

Sassco kicked off the 2nd half and equalized not long after. Gourlay
released Stubba down the left who provided Bell with a ball which
crawled in over the line. 2-2. No more than 5 minutes later Redhouse
went 3-2 up, a long ball caught out the defence and Butler smashed
a great strike past Kershaw. This was unbelievable but never the
less Sassco piled on the pressure. Wardle replaced Gourlay after
he was suffering with blisters with 20 minutes to go, he was complaining
that the shirt was too small for him but clearly the burgers, pies
and ice cream were taking it's toll. In the latter stages of the
game Greenwell moved to centre half and Sammut went to Centre Midfield,
this was a great move as Greenwell was becoming a commanding presence
in the back line. Bunta was showing some grit and determination
and he was rewarded with an equalizer after Redhouse failed to clear
their lines. Sassco could have went 4-3 from Middlemiss had the
referee not given offside which was very debatable. In truth Redhouse
may feel they should have won the game in terms of chances but Sassco
battled on to earn a respectable draw. It was pretty hard to call
a man of the match as everyone worked their bollocks off and it
was a true team performance but Stubba just nicked it as he particularly
done a great job marking Wilson in a position which is slightly
unfamiliar to him.

Davinder Sangha: Great write up Dave. I didn't realise that Stubba,
Wardle and Greenwell turned up late. I would have had them on the
subs bench for that. No matter, got ourselves a good (and probably
unexpected) start - need to maintain it.

3rd September is the kick off date
for our game versus close rivals, Redhouse FC. It should be very
interesting as both sides have been boisterous, but myself and Keith
Brazier have been very quiet. Redhouse FC are favourites, but we'd
be disappointed to lose in what is a very difficult League. We play
on our Northern Area pitch and the kick off is at 2:00pm. I expect
everyone to be there for around 1:00pm. Wardle will be organising
the side, while Jason Amour and Tarnjit Sangha will be managing
the situation. Payment needs to be made BEFORE the game as the referee
gets his fee prior to any kick off. We'll have to put our nets up
and also corner flags. Kits will be provided (but bring your own
shorts and socks and water and £2), but shirts need to be
handed back after the game. For your information, I will be at Flamingo
Land for the young-un's Birthday (don't tell him as it's supposed
to be a surprise).

Transport
If anyone needs transport, then they'll have to contact Tarnjit
Sangha, Dave Gourlay, Mickey Pearson or Chris Dixon. Be warned though,
these lads won't be prepared to drop players off at their doors.
The pick up points will be in North Sunderland and the drop off
points will be in the same place.
Team Selections
I've already provisionally picked the side at the moment, which
sees Jimmy Donkin and Jeff Clark missing out due to the numbers
of players we have. This might (and probably will) all change as
there's plenty of time for players to let me know if they are working
or if someone gets injured. But this has always been my major worry
about signing too many players on as regulars. If the situation
stays the same, then we'd have to choose to rotate the squad each
week meaning that a player or two will miss a game at least once,
be it by rotation or by injury. This means that if the same numbers
are available the following week, then Murton, Donkin and Clark
come back into the squad and three others miss out. Sorry lads...everyone
seems loyal and up for it so this is the only way I can see where
it will work. One things for sure, I won't have lads there on the
sidelines who don't get on to the pitch directly at half time. If
we get injured, then we're screwed, but that's the way it is. Normally
I'm the only sub who tends not to get on and only does so when the
two have already come on and then someone gets injured.

New 2nd Shirt
The team seems to be doing okay money wise, so it's likely I'll
get a second kit into production to replace our existing blue second
shirts. I've chosen red as the colour, but if anyone had other suggestions
then I'll consider it. Style is going to be different from the home
shirt in subtle ways, but I'm considering producing it in a lycra
material (which should look good on Fatty). I'll also order a few
more white shirts with numbers 16 onwards on the back for the additions
to the squad.

20th
August 2005

Too many missed chances.

2-2 draw leaves some walking wounded.

This
was going to be our final game before our league campaign kicks
off. I expected a more bigger squad than last week, but unfortunately,
some were missing due to injury, work and holidays. So, I got a
bit paranoid the night before. We had a total of 13 players, but
I was sure we'd struggle or something would come up. So I drafted
in David Murton (aka Bunta) from Hylton Castle - just in case. My
fears were correct. Minnie was stuck in at work and also Scotty
J was going to be about 10-15 minutes late. Bunta went straight
in (along with me) in a reasonable looking team. Up front we seemed
to have a fair bit of fire power. Bunta and Bell in attack. Stapes,
Gourlay, Greenwell and Pearson in the middle. In defence were myself
with Donkin, Stubba and Jase. Muers was in goal, due to be replaced
after half time by Johnstone.

The opponents were run by Lee Francis, a former player for Groundwork
Murton and then Sassco for a few months, in the early days of the
Sassco League. I expected the bulk of their superb team to be there,
but there was only Francis, in goal and Steve Sinnott in attack.
Both had played for me in the 6-a-side on several occasions. Francis
was (is) a decent outfield player so it helped us by him being in
goal. Also, surprisingly, we saw Patty Walsh, formerly of Toddy's.
An outstanding centre half, so it was definitely going to be difficult.

This time transport wasn't a great problem. Our boy helped out by
getting Dunston and Greenwell, while I got Stapes and Bunta. Everyone
else made their own way to the superb Hetton Crown pitch which was
the enclosed Northumbria Centre one (rich sods!).

So now to the game. We were caught
out a little bit in the opening stages. Sinnott, as centre forward,
broke the offside trap (as if we were playing it...) and nearly
scored. At the other end, we were coming closer and closer each
time. Bunta missed a great chance after some brilliant football,
but eventually, Jimmy Donkin, in the right place at the right time,
scored when a ball landed perfectly at his feet. Just before this,
Beam had turned up so Mickey Pearson went back to his original position
as left back when I came off for Beam. But poor Beam broke down
and so I had to come back on. We then let ourselves down when from
a corner, Patty Walsh came steaming in to score a bullet header,
despite myself screaming for players to mark him. There is a reason
why I do the tactics as well as run the team, I do tend to know
the strengths of quite a few players and we should have sorted Walsh
out. Eventually we did and it was only by doubling up on him, especially
for corners against us. But the team followed the instructions before
the game. If we'd lobbed the ball in the box, Walsh would have won
every time. Instead, we played it on the floor so Walsh's effectiveness
in the air wasn't really shown. By this time we'd realised that
Sinnott was the focal point of their attack and probably the only person likely to score. Stubba was doing his work by sticking
tight on him. It flared up near the end with Stubba and Sinnott,
but of all the players on the pitch, you'd expect Stubba and Sinnott
to be at each other.

Soon, in the second half, our good play showed and we did it right
by keeping the ball on the floor and passing well. Through balls
were difficult, as Hetton kept a good line, but overall we did some
good stuff. This eventually led to the second goal from Tommy Bell,
he outpaced the keeper and from a really tight angle, scored a superb
goal.

But after this we got complacent in attack and didn't take shots
when we should have and missed some glaring chances, including some
cleared off the line and Muers missing a sitter. Yes, Muers came
out of goal and Donkin had to go in as he was injured and we eventually
conceded. Wasn't surprising. We'd missed too many chances and then
allowed Hetton back in it. But the scoring ended there, in our last
game before the League commences.

Overall, a very competent performance. We followed the pre-match
instructions and didn't lob the ball in the box or dwell on it too
much. Passing was sure and great to watch. One-touch stuff as you'd
expect from the forward line we had. Special mention needs to go
to Mickey Pearson as he changed positions three(!) times during
the game but did excellent every time as left back, right wing then
centre half. But it shows, that we have the lads to adapt in all
these situations. Pearson got my choice as man-of-the-match, simply
because team wise we were all good, but he had to adapt and easily
did. Also apologies to Muers. He was due to get a half outfield,
but both Beam and Minnie weren't available in the second. He did
great in goal, but was disappointing outfield late on, when he should
have scored at least one of the two good chances he had.

Interesting problem on the horizon. Wardle and co's Saturday morning
team have entered the County Cup. Simple situation, if he prioritizes
playing for them in this competition instead of us, then he's ditched
from the squad. It's a simple choice and one that he, Stubba and
Greenwell have to make. We've got a large squad now and if he does
decide not to play for Sassco then we'll make a few changes, but
we've got 20 lads signed on now so his loss won't create a dent.
I think he needs to sit down and think about things. I'm always
loyal to my team which is why I've put off signing on a large squad.
I'm glad I've added Beam, Kershaw and Bunta to the side now, along
with Oliver, Sammut, Bell, Minnie and Hembrough. If Fatty makes
the wrong decision (along with Stubba and Greenwell) then he's out.
I won't object to Jimmy Donkin playing in the cup against us though
as he's one of the later additions to the team and once the full
squad comes back (Digga, Sammut, etc.) then he'd probably be sidelined
or at the very least, rotated each week.

Sassco always have the best kits, the best website and the best
crack. No other team has any website or publicity which even dares
to come close to Sassco. Why do you think we get invited by teams
such as Northern League Shildon AFC to play in their stadium and
Newcastle United's Official Deaf Team to play in games against them.

Sassco's not simply a team, it's a brand name and keeps getting
bigger all the time. Some people playing for the team haven't yet
grasped this fact and will probably only get the idea when they
aren't playing for the side.

As
mentioned in the previous reports, we had a depleted squad. The
list of the lost was scary; Minnie, Sammut, Hembrough, Wardle, Gourlay,
Dixon, Bell, Pearson and John O. All were first teamers. To top
it off, Gav Kershaw dropped me in it, so Muers had to go in goal.
The opponents were newly formed so, on reflection, it was an evenly
balanced game. We had player shortages while they were getting used
to playing together. Also this was the first game on our new home
ground, which was located at the Northern Area. It was a good pitch,
we were the only ones there, but the changing rooms were reasonably
adequate (if not a bit antiquated). Anyway, we managed to pull a
team together, but had no substitutes. Steve McDonagh, Chris Haldane,
Scott Johnstone and Jimmy "Crouch" Donkin came in. Ironically,
they were probably the best players on the pitch in a game played
in contrasting conditions. It was humid at the start, but then the
rain came pouring down along with the thunder.

We went a goal down quite early. Lack
of decisiveness from Jimmy, Jase and Dunston allowed them to loop
the ball in the net. But despite this setback, we soon came back
strongly. Beam (Johnstone) was getting caught offside, but it was
only a matter of time before he got one in. We were right. Soon
we were ahead 2-1. Haldane had got himself into an excellent position
from the right wing to bludgeon the ball in the back of the net
out of a melee, while Johnstone had scored from a tight angle. But
then we got a bit complacent. Firstly, a winger out strode me on
the right and sent in a speculative ball. Again, indecisiveness
from Jimmy and Muers saw their player creep in and hit it first
time. Moments after this, Jeff dwelled on the ball and then that
led to a goal. We were 3-2 down and Keith Brazier called the half
to an end.

Second half showed a reasonable improvement.
The rain had stopped now and we managed to string a few odd passes
together. Eventually we did equalise. Staples banged it in after
great work from Beam, who himself got the fourth and final goal.
A good game, a good performance. Hats off to Santini as they played
really well and should be amongst the better teams in Division 1,
according to some of the lads on my team. But a whopping pat on
the back for ourselves, coming away from an awkward game, with a
depleted squad and taking a victory. We had a bad experience in
Newbottle and a bit of an embarrassing time in Shildon, but this
game gave me a bit of confidence back - that we can do it with a
depleted squad. Haldane had a blinder on the wing. His passing was
excellent and more importantly, calm. I had Stubba and Greenwell
in the middle for this one and Stevie Mac with Beam up front. Back
line was Jeff, Crouch, Jase and myself. We did okay. We panicked
a bit on the back line, but overall we were comfortable. Crouch
was excellent. He made some cracking one on one challenges in the
box to keep us in it at the end, when all our legs gave way. Muers
did great in goal, but most of that was trying to impress his lass.
I've also decided to get Crouch and Scotty Johnstone signed on.
I'm going to put Wardle back as the Number 1 'keeper as I need reliability.
We've got a big line up now, so when the full team is available,
i'll have to rotate, but will put priority on the players that have
been there the longest. I never want more than 14 players at a game
(as if that will ever happen).

Scotty J got the man-of-the-match
nomination. It was close between him and Jimmy, but his none-stop
running and work off the ball actually created all four goals with
two taken himself. Also Chris Haldane needs a mention. He took his
goal well and rarely wasted a pass throughout the game. Also good
morale boosting support from Fatty and John O on the sidelines as
well

Next game versus Hetton Crown at their
enclosed ground in the same area, next Saturday at 2:00pm. Should
be our last friendly as injuries will be taking their toll soon.

We've got a bit of a depleted squad
again, but there's no point in cancelling as it gives an opportunity
to see players perform in difference positions. The game is to be
played at our home ground (Pitch D) in the Northern Area Pitches
(click Home Pitch on the top menu to see the location).

Transport
We've been having major transportation problems during the last
few games. Hardly any have transport now so we need some sort of
solution. I don't want to hire a mini bus each time as that's a
hassle, but i'll try and arrange a "borrow" of some sort
of 7 seater for each game. If anyone knows of any such available,
give me a shout.

The
difference in quality between the two teams was quite obvious in
the second half. We were camped in our own penalty box giving corner
after corner away. Eventually they scored the goal which took them
to 3-1.

But it started so differently. A convoy of three cars (mine, Pearson's
and Gourlay's) travelled the long distance down to the stadium in
reasonably optimism. We didn't have the strength in depth needed.
Ryan McNaught and Scotty Johnstone were unavailable as stand-ins,
while Trevor Walker and Gavin Wilson had other commitments. Keith
Mouat came in to help us out in defence. At the ground, a rousing
team talk dwelt on the fact that we had to work harder than we ever
had in any game to get some semblance of pride regardless of any
result. One of the key issues for me was for the team not to resort
to dirty tactics. Lower league teams are rarely given the opportunity
to play against Northern League or semi professional sides. I wanted
to create a good impression above all and warned my team that no
over zealous fouling should be seen and no back chatting or foul
mouthing the opponents. We came a good distance to play and enjoy
a good game of football and it's safe to say that we came away with
good credit for this in a game where hardly a bad challenge was
seen.

The start of the game was something
that I didn't want. We were playing well, but gifted two openers.
Frustration, for a change, didn't creep in this time, as it did
on Saturday, but we tightened up and soon started to gain half chances.
The pressing and closing down was a sight to behold. We went in
strong and fair and forced the opponents to panic. We also won our
fair share of 50-50's in the air and on the ground. So when Gourlay,
superbly, drifted in the goal, from outstanding work from Greenwell,
we were on the up. It caused Jeff Clark to rise from his sitting
position in the dug out and crack his head on the dug out ceiling
(for the third time) and claim that "goals like that puts bums
on seats." All the players at this time were performing out
of their skin. Kershaw in goal made some important stops and his
goal kicking was precise. The back line of Dixon, Keith Mouat, Sammut
and Stubba were outstanding and very sure of themselves. They had
the hardest task in this game and all performed well, Stubba in
particular. The middle of the park was as strong as I could get
it. Stapes, Greenwell and Pearson with Muers all did their job.
Up front, Bell was partnered by Gourlay, who dropped off and lay
off several good passes. We were desperate for an equaliser in the
first, but it didn't happen. We came close(ish), but the whistle
concluded the 45 minutes of good work.

Second was all about fitness. We were lacking in it and on our last
legs. With no Hembrough, Middlemiss, Wardle, Oliver and Amour. We
had the bare eleven. Jeff Clark was sub after he struggled in the
warm up and I was the only other fit(?) player left. We were given
a run around by Shildon AFC, who, I assume, probably got a bit of
a tongue lashing from their manager at half time. They scored goal
after goal as most of the team simply broke down in the strict man
to man marking which I wanted. Maybe I expect too much from them,
but this system will work if implemented properly. It would kill
off a game completely and then give opportunities to the strikers
more sooner than later.

However, most of the team felt exhilarated. We did our best on a
huge pitch, but simply weren't a match. If only we had Hembrough,
Minnie and Fatty and co, fit and raring to go. I don't think it
would have made a huge difference, but from our point of view, we
simply don't have the resources to replace players such as those.

We were made very welcome by Shildon AFC and really enjoyed the
experience. Hopefully, with our good behaviour and good show of
work in 90 minutes, we'll get more opportunities from teams at a
higher level.

We
had a bit of a depleted team, but I was confident enough. Main problem
was lifts. Poor Digga must have spent half an hour driving round
Redhouse and Marley Potts getting hold of Staples then Greenwell
(late as always). Then he had to charge all the way over to Ryhope
to pick up Jeff before making his way to Newbottle. I had a straightforward
run. Picking up Muers and Stubba, then Sammut and finally, debutante,
Tommy Bell.

We had the bare 11. Gourlay, Hembrough,
Middlemiss, Wardle and John O were absent. Jase didn't turn up.
So changes in positioning which on reflection were wrong. Jeff went
from left back to right wing. While Mickey Pearson went from right
wing to centre half. Gav Kershaw was making his debut in goal and
had a great game.

The first half started off even. Jeff
had a great long range effort saved, but they soon scored off a
corner where the biggest lad on the pitch was unmarked. They came
close on several occasions, but were thwarted by Gav Kershaw who
had a blinder in goal, pulling off some exceptional saves. Yet our
biggest problem was the lack of creativity. We simply couldn't keep
hold of the ball and were overly lazy when we lost it. Up front,
Tommy Bell was having an uphill struggle as his defenders towered
over him. We should have played through balls like we normally do
with Hembrough and Minnie instead of to feet and then forcing them
to take players on. Nevertheless, the first half ended at 1-0 and
we were reasonably confident that we'd get back into it. But unfortunately
we didn't. Soon we were 2-0 down and we completely collapsed unlike
in previous games when we conceded we moved into another gear. Eventually
it was 6-0 with the final goal being an embarrassing mix up between
Digga and Jeff. Digga had it easily to clear (and did), but Jeff
came steaming in to deflect it into his own net.

So, being 6-0 down, Newbottle took
their foot off the pedal and we came back into it. Tommy Bell gained
some space and scored after the 'keeper parried his earlier shot.
It was 6-1, but to be honest, we didn't deserve anything. When a
team is 6-0 up, they tend to take it easy, so it was inevitable
we'd get some chances. Overall, we were very lazy. Positioning was
wrong, Muers cannot play as a striker and is more effective on the
wing, while Jeff Clark would be more suited to the middle or as
full back. Stubba spent the second half arguing with their players
and ours and only Greenwell and Kershaw came out of this game with
any credit. But on reflection, I'm glad we got this out of the way.
We'd been on a winning run since September and we were getting complacent.
The laziness crept back in which was missing in our last game v
the Wavy. Also it shows that we definitely miss the likes of Minnie,
Gourlay and Hembrough. Wardle was also a miss up front, but we've
also got to remember that he usually drops deep, worrying about
the opponents instead of making them worry about him.

I'll get information about this game
against Shildon as soon as possible. It should be confirmed by tonight
(Saturday).

Shildon AFC have invited us to a friendly game played at
their Dean Street Stadium on the 8th August. Should be fascinating
as the standard is Northern League. But we've been crying out to
play against strong opposition for a while now and this should be
a excellent test.

It's located nearly 30 miles away
so we must leave the Sunderland area by at least 6:00pm to get there
in good time.

More information to be posted shortly,
but the Shildon AFC website can be viewed by clicking here.

On 13th
August at 2:00pm, a game v Sunderland Santini has been scheduled
on our own Northern Area pitch. More details will be confirmed later.

26th
July 2005

Latest News.

Game cancelled v Whitley Bay Deaf FC. Kit
has arrived.

After the recent problems in trying to get a team out on
a non-Saturday, I've decided to cancel the midweek game v Whitley
Bay Deaf FC, mainly because it will conflict with the 6-a-side on
Wednesday. I know a large proportion of the team plays on that day
so it wouldn't be fair.

There is, however, a high possibility
that we could be facing strong opposition
in the form of Shildon from the Northern League. This is to be confirmed
as soon as possible, but the game would be played on the 8th August
which is a Monday evening.

Also 6th
August (Saturday) there could be a game v Santini, another new team
in the WCFL. Venue and exact time to be decided.

The new
team shirts have finally arrived and they look excellent. The size
is similar to the previous ones so it will fit most players comfortably.
It should be revealed in our next game, where, hopefully, a photographer
from Manpower will be taking a photograph for their promotional
purposes.

20th
July 2005

Game cancelled on Sunday 24th July.

Game cancelled v Lambton at Silksworth.

Lambton FC
Game versus Simon Williamson's team, Lambton, this Sunday morning
24th July is cancelled. I'm struggling to get a
set of players available and it's probably better to cancel. Also,
in future, it's doubtful that we'll have any friendlies on Sunday
due to other teams commitments.

Whitley Bay Deaf FC
The Whitley Bay Deaf FC game should still be on, although i'll check
the availability of players in good time before confirming it for
definite. It's on Wednesday 3rd August at 8:00pm v Whitley
Bay Deaf at Gateshead Int. Stadiums turf pitch. This game is played on the astro turf on Neilson Road in Gateshead
(map/directions to be added as soon as possible) which is part of
the International Stadium's complex. We're playing there so we can
meet halfway as the other team travelling from Whitley Bay and ourselves
travelling from Sunderland would be too far to get to each other.
This pitch is quite expensive at £48 (in comparison to Downhill
and Silksworth which are around £30), but the opponents will
be providing a referee free of charge so that both teams just pay
a share of £24 each.

20th
July 2005

Dave Watson retires.

Gammy shoulder causing too many problems.

As expected, Dave Watson has retired
due to constant pain after each game and in normal conditions from
his shoulder. Watty's been our Number 1 since day one and was looking
forward to the season as well. We'll still be keeping him on as
Assistant Manager, but it remains to be seen if he will be watching
the games on a regular basis.

At the moment, Jon Wardle is classed
as our main goalkeeper until we decide whether to get a new 'keeper
or select another player to add to the squad. At the moment it stands as 16 regular players which includes me
and the Tash, so in reality there are 14 players there.

We'll
keep all posted, but will be trying out a new 'keeper in some of
our next friendlies as well.

18th
July 2005

Latest News.

John Oliver.
John's got a fractured cheek bone and he needs an operation to get
it rebuilt. But he's looking forward to playing again as soon as
possible.

Game v Whitley Deaf Deaf FC.

A provisional date of 7th August has
been pencilled in for a rematch against the team formerly known
as NUDFC. This will most likely be played in the Whitley Bay area,
but full details need to be confirmed.

Premier Division.
It's unconfirmed as of yet, but the website WCFL.org.uk states that
we are now in the Premier Division. The League requested a response
from Division 1 teams as to whether they'd want to enter the Premier
due to teams dropping out. I said "yes" immediately. It's
going to be difficult but I'd prefer to test ourselves against the
best rather than plug away in the lower divisions. If we get relegated,
we get relegated, but hopefully with the squad we have we can gain
a respectable position.

Alan Hood Cup.We've bypassed Round 1 and go directly into Round 2 against
Silksworth Lord Seaham (at Silksworth Sports Complex grass pitches).
The location for the other teams can be found by clicking on to
the Home Pitch menu above and zooming in using the map.

We
had the bare 11. I was due to go in goal for the Wavy if we had
12 players, but Watty was unavailable so I had to play for our lot.
It seems Watty's going to retire now as his shoulder keeps giving
way. We might look for a new player or might just use our existing
goalkeepers. Wardle is probably the obvious choice now that we have
two other strikers available, but the likes of Muers and Middlemiss
have both gone in goal and done a good job, and more importantly,
enjoyed it. I remember a time when our only option was Watty and
then Stubba. So even though Watty will be a miss, we at least have
players in there who I'm confident will do a good job.

It started off well. Everyone was
there in the allocated time. I picked Stapes, Muers and Min, while
Jase and John got Wardle and Stubba. As expected, Wayne, Jeff and
Scotty weren't available, but I was confident enough. I gave a good
team talk because I wrote it down for a change. Firstly discussing
where we went wrong in conceding four goals in the previous game.
Lack on man-to-man marking was the key. This time I stressed that
our task out of this game was to see if we could kill the game as
every opposing team will always have a period in the game when they're
on top. Brilliantly, this tactic worked and for the period when
Wavy were on top (midway in the first) we coped well and killed
the game off.

The
good thing was an excellent start. Goals scored in the opening few
minutes helped out our cause. We caught Wavendon cold. Stapes opened
the scoring after some good goal mouth work before Minnie added
the second after snatching the ball from a bad kick out. It was
then when John O was caught badly in the face. He clearly had to
go off and we were in trouble. We had no subs and in the heat we
were in for a fight. Luckily, ex-Sassco Warrior, Gash was there
to watch and came on in the right hand side. By this time Jase had
taken John to the hospital so we were still one man down. Digga
tucked in and earned himself a man-of-the-match award as centre
half. Fully accomplished at right back, he had to fill in with Stubba
while Gash patrolled the right hand side. This meant Mickey Pearson
came in as centre midfield and produced a performance which is one
of the reasons why I earmarked him as centre mid with Greenwell
a couple of years back at the end of our first ever season as an
11-a-side team. He did a great job with Gourlay as we had our work
cut out for us.

Up front Wardle and Middlemiss were
making the most of it. Obviously outnumbered, they both came very
close on several occasions. But we kept the 2-0 lead up to the half
time break. It was burning now and we were struggling with lack
of energy, but were delighted with the way the game was going. Wavy
offered us a player; Priestly, and he did a good job tucking in
at right back leaving Digga and Stubba at centre half. Muers came
out of goal as agreed and was replaced by Wardle who did a cracking
job between the sticks just as he did against the Africans.

The
second half was better than the first. We really worked hard for
ourselves. The team talk for once seemed to be working. All the
lads listened and the importance of killing a game when we're up
against it is paramount to any success we're going to have. And
like Minnie said, with one man down it was test of endurance. It
could have gone pear shaped though. Muers missed an absolute sitter
in the start of the second despite doing all the hard work. But
he atoned for it later and set Minnie up to kill the game at 3-0.
He, like Minnie earlier, snatched the ball from a defender and played
it to Minnie. Although his work rate leaves a lot to be desired
sometimes. When we're in the shit, all players have to get stuck
in and do their marking and work off the ball. With Sassco being
3-0 up, the remainder of the encounter was to see how we could play
out before the final whistle, but we ended up playing some of our
best football for ages. The team felt liberated and everyone, rightly,
can give themselves a pat on the back for the effort. Near the end,
Dave G was on his last legs having combined well with Pearson all
game. Yet those legs had one last fling as he placed the ball in
the back of the net to make it 4-0. "You don't save those,"
was Digga's comment in his library of cliches (that's cliche number
34 which comes just before number 35 which is "get some purchase
on it.").

A good game and brilliant effort.
Personally I had a cracker at left back. Won most challenges and
didn't really waste a pass, but unlike Gourlay, I don't think I'm
wasted at left back. From the organisational point of view, I should
have added a face to squad at least. Playing with 12 players is
risky, especially when only 11 turn up. With injuries and other
circumstances we could struggle in the future. But Jeff, Greenwell
and Hembrough are all regulars and this was a Sunday game so it
wasn't a huge problem.

Travel
problems weren't too bad. I had to pick up Stapes, Muers, Hembrough
and Minnie, but when we arrived there, all were present and basking
in the sunshine. But when we got to the pitch (with Gourlay and
Pearson arriving) it was quite evident from the moment the opponents
turned up that it was going to be difficult. The last game saw good
effort from the team but bad organisation. But this time it was
full kits, pre-match warming up and god knows what else. Keith Nobbs,
who is running the show, has evidently done an excellent job in
the last few months on setting the African team on a course to success.

We had the team that I expected. Only Watty was unavailable at the
last minute but this was half expected. The Tash refused to play
after I mistakenly said, "Probably not," to his request
to be there. He turned up as a spectator with sun glasses which
obviously came free with a teenagers magazine or something. The
other problem was that most of Redhouse FC's squad turned up to
watch and hope we'd be humiliated. So despite the sunshine, it was
turning out to be an unpleasant day for me.

Our main
problem was how to play this game. If all went to plan, the opponents
would attack in droves while leaving their back line exposed. This
time we had Hembrough partnering Middlemiss in attack and goals
were expected. The game kicked off and it did go to plan. The opponents
opened the scoring with a cracking drive past Fatty in goal (he
volunteered).We looked as if we were going to struggle. We were
very disjointed at the back and the heat was burning us and affecting
us badly while the opponents seemed undaunted by it. But on our
breakaway, we equalised almost immediately. Soon we were 3-1 up
and coasting. Minnie and Hembrough were very solid up front and
based on a ratio, they tended to slot home every second chance.
Greenwell, though, missed a true clanger when he was one-on-one.
It was soon 4-1 and we were almost home and dry. Other chances were
missed during this period including several goalmouth scrambles
whenever we attacked.

But that's
where it got difficult. The African team came back strongly and
scored a couple of goals (including a beauty from Dave G) and should
have had more. It was 4-3 and even the half time break didn't help
us out. Rapidly tiring, we struggled again at the back while in
midfield, John Oliver and Greenwell had their work cut out by trying
to stop their supremely talented opposing number 8. He seemed to
be at the heart of everything and we failed to pick him up. John
O tried to do a man-to-man job on him but it broke down. Also the
number 8's quick turns and spins outwitted John O, playing in bad
footwear and also Greenwell. I soon came on for John O and immediately
was stuck into the action. Jase went centre half while Mickey Pearson
moved from right back to centre midfield where he was a positive
influence on the game. But before that, they equalised. It was 4-4
and this was just after I cleared off the line. They were fully
on top and all the Redhouse FC squad probably expected us to wilt.

But it
didn't happen. We broke away and scored again before adding another
two goals to give us a 7-3 scoreline. Muers also subsequently got
dismissed for fighting, allegedly the opposing lad called him a
"white c**t." (so now you know how it feels Dunston).
There were several scuffles during the game involving Dunston, John
O and Amour. But it didn't explode and the game was a satisfactory
run out for both teams.

The
end scoreline would give the impression that it was comfortable,
but it definitely wasn't. But then again, we were missing Jeff Clark,
Mark Sammut, Chris Dixon and goalkeeper, Watty. So the back line
only had Stubba in who'd be classed as a regular there and even
he was due to go in goal had it not been for an injured hand. I
think in the circumstances we did really good. Hembrough and Minnie
were a class act up front. Hembrough got himself 3 goals and Minnie
4 and you can't ask for more. Stapes had a quiet game. He got stuck
in but there wasn't anything out of the ordinary that he did - but
that's high expectations from us. In the middle, John O and Greenwell
struggled a bit as they were overrun, but there's the dilemma. If
either Minnie or Hembrough would have dropped deep, we would have
lost our edge up front. John O's problem was his footwear as mentioned
before. Muers produced a few good crosses but didn't do anything
outstanding. Pearson and Gourlay were excellent, Gourlay in particular.
Coming out of defence, he made our left side the strongest and most
of the goals were initiated by himself. Pearson had a difficult
job in the centre half position but did exceptionally well when
he was pushed into the middle section of the park. Jase Amour struggled
to start with and some of his clearances were bong eyed, but it
was tiring out there and for his substantial kite moving about within
that long sleeved shirt, you know he did well to keep up. And Wardle
was outstanding in goal. Although one shot went through him and
another was a cracker from Dave Gourlay, he performed outstandingly
and becomes our fifth choice 'keeper behind Watson, Stubba, Muers
and Minnie.

A good
game and brilliant surroundings. We still have a bit of a weak back
line when some of our regulars aren't there and this was our first
friendly where we were cruelly exposed. But luckily the forward
line did it's job. If the front players are scoring four and the
back are conceding four, it's plain to see where the problem lies.
We missed Sammut and (a few months back I couldn't imagine myself
saying this) the defensive qualities of Digga as right back. But
we won and that's good enough. Everyone had a good run out. Keith
Brazier did a great job in refereeing, but he did say that he had
a problem "understanding what they were saying," but I
said I couldn't understand my team neither, especially Wardle.

Certain
players (i.e. Greenwell and Wardle) are throwing a wobbler about
rumours concerning them being dropped due to their own Saturday
morning commitments for other teams. This is not the case, but they'll
have to be aware of the following:

If
they get injured in the morning, it's tantamount to them dropping
me in it for the afternoon.

If
they have a particularly rough game, they could be blowing out
of their arses for our afternoon game, thus not giving it their
all.

If
they pay subs on the morning, they might turn up with nothing
in their pocket for the afternoon (which means they get dropped).

So, those are the reasons. Everyone
should be aware now that they can play in the mornings, but if they
fall foul of any of the above then I'd recommend them not to play
for Sassco.

5th
July 2005

Next friendlies.

Against the African 11 at the Downhill
Astroturf, Sat 9th July 2:00pm kick off followed by Lambton.

A second
game v the Sunderland African FC team is to take place this weekend
on the astro-turf at Downhill. We're still trying to get a grass
pitch arranged, but this seems unlikely as most of the posts are
down.

Kick off
takes place at 2:00pm (no delays) and the usual "bring your
own water, £2, white shorts and socks, etc."

Squad
will be announced soon, but I expect all to be there.

On the 24th, we are also scheduled
to play against Lambton FC at the same complex. This time it's on
a Sunday morning so we might be depleted depending on which players
will be having training or games with their own Sunday league team.
The kick off is scheduled for around 11:00am.

1st
July 2005

Finances.

Fees paid.

Durham FA affiliation

£37.45

Public Liability

£10.00

Minor Cup Fee

£5.00

WCFL Fee (50%)*

£95.00

Pitch Fee (50%)*

£127.50

15 Shirts

£155.05

Total

£430.00

* second
half due in December/January

The funding
came out of the £400 sponsorship payment from Manpower. This
means that we have to generate £222.50 by January/December
as we will have to pay this amount (£222.50) to the WCFL and
the Council by then

Referee
fees are approximately £15-£17 for each home game so
that means the £222.50 shortfall should be made up from subs
in games by December/January.

We expect
approximately £24 coming in during each game (12 players paying
£2 each). This will give us plenty of finance.

Going
on a figure of 18 games running up until the end of December, the
calculations are as follows:.

18 games (9 of which
will be away games)

£432

subs

9 games referee cost (based on
£17 referee payment)

-£153

Total left (a projection)

£279

*A more complete
projection will be worked out once the fixtures are ready

During this time, additional equipment is needed, such as medical
kit, goal pegs and clips and possibly water bottles.

1st
July 2005

Pitch confirmed.

Northumbria Centre.

Just received
the paperwork which confirms that we are based at the Northumbria
Centre (Northern Area Playing Fields) using Pitch D. It's not our
favoured choice and we'll continue to lobby for Downhill throughout
the season.

It is
easy access, though, as it's near the George Washington Hotel. There
are 6 full size pitches there and also 4 junior ones. Hopefully
it won't be overcrowded on the afternoons.

The site
will be updated with a detailed map and general directions to the
pitch shortly.

29th
June 2005

NIFC participation cancelled.

No entrance into the NIFC Super League.

Due to
problems within the NIFC League, our two games in the league have
been cancelled. This is more of an internal issue and isn't really
anything to do with our team. More to do with the preferential treatment
we were getting, which didn't go down well with other teams in the
league. Although the League Secretary, Ovire Akpofure, fully backed
us entering.

New
shirts

I've just
approved the final changes to the team shirts and they now should
be with us before the 10th July.

22nd
June 2005

Two competitive friendly games.

Temporary entrance into the Community Champions
Super League in August.

We've
accepted an invitation to enter the NIFC.org.uk League as a temporary entrant during the month of August.

The League
is organised on a group basis and all the games tend to be played
in North Newcastle. We have two fixtures, the first of which is
on the 14th August with a 2:00pm kick off time. The second game
takes place on the 28th August. Both games are played on Sundays.

This
offers us a guaranteed friendly game on grass, but also offers the
competitive edge. I've tried getting games against teams in Sunderland,
but most teams don't seem to be pro-active enough to want to arrange
something and most won't play on the artificial turf at Downhill.

Pitch
News.
It's highly likely that our home pitch will be the Northumbria pitch.
I've been consistently told that hardly no teams play on the Downhill
pitches, but for some reason the council refuse to let us play there.
It seems strange that thousands of pounds are spent on these facilities
and only one or two teams are allowed to play there on Saturday's
and Sunday's. It's very disappointing but we'll try and get back
to Downhill as soon as possible.

Byker
United at Killingworth (TBC) kick off 2:00pm (Sun) 14th August 2005

SOL
FC at Killingworth (TBC) kick off 2:00pm (Sun) 28th August 2005

12th
June 2005

West Denton hammered 10-2.

Not very pleasant surroundings though.

On
reflection, I think I will have to turn down any fixtures away from
Sunderland in the future as this wasn't the ideal situation. Firstly,
we got stuck by detours to Peel Retail Park, but surprisingly, everyone
was there. Apart from Staples being given a lift by Chris Haldane.
"We're two minutes away," said Stapes to me on the phone
before letting me know he was near Heworth Golf Course.

Anyway,
we got there in decent time and trudged towards the pitch, during
which dipstick Dunston lost the ball on a high hedge. No changing
rooms, so back to the cars. The team line up was Beam (debut in
goal) with Jeff, Jase, Sammut (in his debut this season) and Digga
in defence. In midfield, Stapes and Dunston on the flanks with John
Oliver making his debut with Gourlay in the middle of the park.
Up front it was the Greasy Spaniard with Hembrough. Ryan McNaught
was warming the bench ready for a second half start. We were missing
key players. Captain, Wayne Greenwell, along with our leading goalscorer,
Jon Wardle, were both missing. Both were in Edinburgh, along with
Stubba, who is still classed as our main central defender and also,
more importantly for this game, our reserve goalkeeper. Dave Watson,
our number 1 was in Malta getting married (again). The Tash was
missing again with some obscure excuse - fixing a shelf or something.

So despite
the depleted team, we still put out a very strong line up. Immediately
we were obviously better than the opposition, but we looked disjointed
at the back. A ball over the top led to free-kick given away. They
scored from it after it hit the post and we fell asleep for the
rebound. We then equalised with Minnie grabbing the goal. I expected
us to hammer the opponents, but another free kick saw Beam drop
a proper clanger in goal. It went straight through his legs! Now
it was game on. The Geordies were getting arrogant, but we soon
shut them up. Dunston helped himself to hat-trick before half time,
but most of the hard work was done by his team mates. Dunston was
just there to pick up the pieces. One came from an excellent Middlemiss
step-over directly into goal from low Muers' free-kick. Not great
football - but functional football. We used our superior ability
to bludgeon the goals past them.

In
the second, I made some changes. Firstly John O came off to be replaced
by Ryan. Sammut moved into central midfield and Ryan was centre
half. Muers also went into goal now that his work rate was going
to be zero. Beam took his place on the right wing. I wouldn't say
it worked because of the changes, but Beam scored early in the second
to put us 5-2 up. It was now a strong and more relaxed Sassco against
a very poor West Denton team and anyone was up for scoring as we
were clearly going to get ourselves a high score. But by this time,
the referee had no control over the game at all and didn't clamp
down on any of the aggressive behaviour from them. It wasn't surprising
- it's expected when a bunch of Mackems turn up and humiliate you
in front of your own people. Everyone from Mick McCarthy to Steve
Cram got slagged off including Minnies "quiff."

The goals were added to by Ryan McNaught,
then Minnie, Beam, Minnie again and then Staples. Game over. Hembrough
shockingly didn't get one and it took all my powers of persuasion
to stop him quitting football to take up tennis, but he combined
well up front and for a change, the goals came from elsewhere, which
is good for the team. Overall the collective did really well. A
shaky start from the back line wasn't even heard of after their
two goals were scored. Jase, Jeff, Sammut and Digga all looked calm.
Digga, especially, did well considering it was his second game in
that position. The John O and Gourlay partnership sort of worked,
but it was difficult to make out as the pitch was really too small
to see if there was a huge impact. It would be interesting to try
out John O with Greenwell as both are similar "enforcers,"
but this overshadows the fact that they can both easily pass the
ball comfortably. Both flank players played as they always do and
were crucial in getting the goals, while up front, Minnie and Hembrough
were always a threat. I had to reluctantly award the man-of-the-match
to Dunston for generally being in the right place at the right time.
Anyone of our lads could have got the award, but Dunston got the
goals which allowed us to relax and enjoy the game once we were
a few goals up. I've also got to mention the "forgotten one,"
Jeff Clark. He was outstanding in that he did his job in clearing
his lines on almost every occasion, despite being a predominantly
right footer in the difficult left back position. It's great to
see all the players having the ability to play in different positions.
Digga can function on the right side in any position, while Dunston
and Minnie also give us options in attack (as well as in goal!).
As always, Dunston is much more effective in the right wing apart
from in attack where the pressure is off him to get the goals. The
result is that he always seems to get goals from there, as our feared
forwards are usually heavily marked. Sammut was comfortable in defence
and equally effective in the centre midfield spot. Gourlay, as expected,
didn't waste any passes when going forward and everyone got stuck
in when it counted.

No game lined up for the foreseeable
future, but I think I can't be arsed to travel far and wide and
play against a team which can't even get stripped in the correct
kit. I've since heard that the referee gave us an exceptional report
saying that we were outstanding on our game and didn't give in to
any provocation during the game. He slated the opposition though,
which isn't surprising.

The numbers are based on second name
alphabetical order. If a player drops out and another one comes
in, then the player coming in takes the number of the one who dropped
out, regardless of alphabetical order.

These numbers above are a starting
point and are not based on the first 1 to 11 being the "first"
team.

10th
May 2005

Pitch problems.

Downhill seems likely to be unavailable.

After
discussions with the City of Sunderland, it seems that our designated
base, Downhill, might not be available next season. Our biggest
problem was the late entry last season which eventually fell away,
otherwise we would have had the pitch - another thing to blame the
Tyne & Wear League for.

I'll be
requesting a pitch which should be available in the North part of
Sunderland, or, my preferred choice, Washington.

I will
keep all posted.

3rd
May 2005

New shirt, nearly ready.

Rough design and material approved.

Exciting
times ahead for Sassco. The new shirt is nearly ready to go into
production after the team has been plodding along in the current
design used since 2002. The home one is plain white, while the away
design is to be red (although the away will probably not be put
into production until 2006).

The home
is a simple design with a round necked collar and cuffs (to be blue
in the final one). The badge is fully embroidered to avoid fading
and the Manpower logo will be placed on to the front. The reverse
will show the Adidas number style in red plastic (and durable print).

The material
is a ventilated polyester style which will be excellent for the
cold weather for most of the season. These should be available by
mid June at the latest.

23rd
April 2005

Great win.

5-3 with Digga (in defence) and Minnie
having blinders.

After
losing John Oliver, Mark Sammut, Billy Harper and Jason Amour, it's
quite refreshing that the main point of conversation after the game
was whether Dixon, playing in a right-back position, or Minnie with
his four goals deserved the man-of-the-match award. Digga's last
appearance there was in the game against Sunderland North where
he hauled himself off. This time, I explained the fact that from
time to time, we are going to be short and players need to adapt.
I clinched the argument when I said "it was him or me."

Within
moments of the opening, I knew we had another win on our hands.
Time and time again we broke through their defence. Greenwell was
partnered by Gourlay in the centre and both did exceptionally well.
NUDFC were more organised than SAA, but we still coped. The highlight
was the back line. Jeff and Stubba have played in their positions
on a regular basis, but both Wardle and Dixon (on the right) had
stunning games. All the back four cleared their lines and we were
soon 2-0 up. Good work from Emos led to goals from Hembrough and
also Middlemiss. Both the new forward players were combining well
and it was good to see Hembrough playing for Sassco again as his
pace was clearly causing problems for the opposition. Shockingly,
we allowed them back in by silly defending (i.e. playing keepy uppy
on the left hand side). They were soon back in it with two goals.
But brilliantly we scored one straight from kick off. Middlemiss
again.

The
second half saw us struggling with fatigue. Most of the team had
played in the morning as well as yesterday and we only had the one
sub. It was 4-2 with Minnie scoring again and then they got one
to make it tight with 4-3. Eventually a long clearance from Watson
led to the fifth and final goal - you guessed it - from Minnie again.
He scored four in total and had chances to get more. Both him and
Hembrough combined well and the whole team did exceptional. Watson
had to go off late in the game to be replaced by Emos. I came on
and launched into a crunching tackle which did my confidence good
after the Saturday disaster. Stapes and Emos did well on the wings,
but Digga was a revelation as right back. Time to time he stormed
forward, but at the opposite end, he always won the high ball and
was comfortable.

A
good game, in searing heat and on a brilliant pitch. Good luck to
the NUDFC team in their cup final at Aldershot on the 7th. Hopefully
they'll become one black and white team to bring back a trophy.
You know what the rest of them are like......

For
our first game for several months, I expected things to run smoothly.
They didn't. First Jase and John (Team Secretary and Assistant Secretary)
were late, secondly, someone had destroyed the 11-a-side goals at
the Raich Carter Centre which meant we were forced to play in the
hockey goals!

But the
game went ahead. I expected a comfortable win and in the end we
did get that win. Starting were Watson in goal. Jeff, Harper, Stubba
and Gourlay in the back line. Stapes, Wardle, Greenwell and Emu
in the middle while up front, Neil Middlemiss was making his debut
for the team with Chris Dixon.

We soon
went ahead after some opening exchanges where SAA boasted more shots
on goal. Emos soon lashed in the second after he set the first one
up. He then got another and Greenwell got the fourth. One of the
best parts of the first half was when Harper scythed Emos down just
when he was going to take a free-kick. A truly classic moment. Well
at least it stopped Emu taking a quick kick and wasting it. We were
over comfortable. SAA were struggling with positions but their 6
man (yes six) midfield completely obliterated Wardle and Greenwell,
so it wasn't a surprise when after a lengthy team talk, they came
storming back. Camped in our half, they got their opener. By now
they were roared on by a huge crowd who happily took the piss out
of us at every opportunity (friendly banter though).
Jase was on for the Tash in the second but he couldn't prevent more
pressure. But eventually it died off and we went 5-1 ahead then
6-2. They soon scored two more quick goals late on. One was my fault.
A perfect example of practice what you preach. Launch it and be
decisive. The lads were very sympathetic and Harper said to me after
the game, "yep, done it myself plenty of times."

So
6-4 in the end. Stapes, Emos (2), Wardle, Greenwell and Minnie got
the goals. A good game. Very enjoyable under unusual circumstances.
Shame John Oliver, Sammut and Hembrough weren't there as it would
have been a good time to get the first game out of their system.

Each player
will be allocated a squad number. This is an ideal way of keeping
track of the shirts (which have to be returned after each game)
and also stops players squabbling over the numbers. The numbers
will be assigned from 2 onwards by alphabetical order of the players'
second name.

10th
April 2005

Second friendly game.

23rd April v Sunderland Africans Sport.

A second
game has been arranged v Sunderland Africans Sport. This is a multi-cultural,
Sunderland-based team. The game is most likely going to be played
at Hendon, either on artificial turf or on their designated grass
pitch.

This game
takes place on Saturday afternoon before the encounter away v NUDFC
on Sunday 24th April.

Sunderland
AS, away at Hendon on 23rd April (Sat) kick off at 2:00pm

NUDFC
away at Bullocksteads, Newcastle 24th April (Sun) kick off at 2:00pm

6th
April 2005

Cola Boy back?

Deported from the UAE as an illegal immigrant.

Due
to an incident "involving death threats, terrorism and deportation,"
Cola Boy has had his stay in the United Arab Emirates prematurely
cut. He's back in Boldon now and could play a part in Sassco's return
to the 11-a-side fold.

Playing
mainly as a centre midfield player, he offered the team height,
strength and aggression (i.e. other teams being aggressive to him).
His peak performance was in the Cup game v Mountain Daisy on the
10th April 2004, where a late goal from Muers led to an unlucky
penalty shoot-out defeat.

Hopefully,
he'll be back permanently or at least for the foreseeable future
for Sassco 11-a-side.

1st
April 2005

New home shirt design.

To be used in the 2005-2006 season.

The
new shirt will be available within the next two months and will
be used as the teams main shirt. As always, players should provide
their own white shorts and socks (although the kit bag will contain
several pairs).

The basic
design is similar to the Sassco shirts used in Season 5 of the six-a-side
league. The shirt will be 100% polyester and will have an embroidered
badge for the first time. The original idea of having a retro-style
cotton shirt was dismissed mainly due to problems in washing the
shirts. The numbering on the back will be in red and also in the
Adidas style font as used for most Adidas supplied teams.

The away
shirt is similar but will be in red. Currently the blue shirt will
still be used until the red one is available. This could be midway
during the season depending on available funds.As
with most things Sassco, only the best is used. The team prides
itself on kit styles which tend to be unique as opposed to the other
cheap kit styles used by most teams.

24th
March 2005

Squad definites.

NUDFC v Sassco.co.uk on 24th April.

Wardle,
Staples, Greenwell, Gourlay, Sammut, Hembrough, Sangha, Middlemiss
C, Middlemiss N, Muers, Dixon, Amour, Watson, Oliver have confirmed
their availability for the game on the 24th. Most have games in
the morning, but will be available for selection in the afternoon.

The first
friendly is to be played against the Newcastle United Community
Deaf Football Club.

We
expect to take a squad of
around 13 to 14 players up at their ground. Squad line up will
be announced shortly.

28th
February 2005

Team wear.

Possible new kit.

Depending
on the cost of printing the new logo onto the shirts, as well as
the re-designed badge, we might consider investing in a complete
new set of shirts instead as it might be more cost effective. The
new shirts will be the same colour, but probably a more plain Adidas
type with circular neck and stripes on the arms.

Also, Team Sassco polo shirts will be available at cost price (around
£6-£7) to all the team members. Ideally, these should
be worn on the day of the game when arriving at the match.

Dave
Gourlay has finally added his name to the squad, although he thinks
he's "wasted at left back."

16th
February 2005

New faces.

Four important additions.

We're
delighted to add a few new faces to the team.

Firstly
John Oliver, a central midfielder, comes into the fold. John will
also be assisting in the admin side of the team, i.e. League meetings,
etc. Mark Sammut also comes in after playing for us in one of our
last friendly games. A versatile player who can fill in in the defence
or midfield. Scott Hembrough is coming in as well. Hembrough played
in our friendly v Redhouse FC and secured 5 goals to his name. An
excellent addition to the strike-force. Neil Middlemiss also comes
into the squad. Very talented, but highly hated (yes hated). Finally,
Chris Middlemiss also comes in as a striker to hopefully present
a new strike-force. Middlemiss also scored a few goals in our recently
friendly games.

Based on the list, we have around
15 players, most of whom will be regulars. More names will probably
be added as there is plenty of time yet before the league starts
up.

Manpower,
the global recruitment firm has been announced as the next sponsor
of Sassco.co.uk 11-a-side team for it's forthcoming season in the
WCFL.

Manpower is a leading recruiter of
specialist, flexible and contract workforces and a respected authority
on employment issues. The company employs over 100,000 people each
year, through a network of over 300 UK offices, making it easy for
people to find interesting and flexible employment opportunities
and for companies to recruit staff with the skills and experience
they need.

To contact Manpower, please click
here to view the office which is local to you.

13th
February 2005

Potential sponsor in the pipeline.

Verbal agreement made.

After
months of trying, it seems that we've found a sponsor thanks to
Jason Amour. It won't be announced officially as there could always
be a last minute change of heart. But it seems likely that Sassco.co.uk
will have little or no financial worries in entering the league.
The usual donations by all the players won't be needed, apart from
(possibly) a small donation in January 2006. Financial projections,
though, say that the team will generate enough funds between now
and then to cover this.

We were
considering a new team kit, but in reality, we shouldn't be wasting
funds on something we already have. The new team badge will be attached
to the existing shirts which haven't been used since August/September
2004.

The team
will officially be known as Sassco.co.uk but the normal name will
be Team Sassco.

10th
February 2005

WCFL ready to go.

Ready for friendlies as the suspension
has been lifted.

Jason
Amour and John Oliver were present at the meeting on Tuesday which
confirmed our application to the WCFL for next season. We are already
DFA affiliated for this season and DFA have also kindly lifted the
suspension on the team (thanks to a few phone calls from Peter Maguire
from WCFL). None of the players are banned from Sassco, but some
who played for Sunderland North will have to deal with their own
suspensions themselves.

Sassco
are now ready to undertake any friendly games versus teams from
the WCFL. With some fixture cancellations, there are a few slots
available against some teams. We are available at any time and hopefully
most of the WCFL teams are aware of this now and will contact us
when a slot is available.

Finance.
Approximately £255 outlay is required for Sassco.co.uk to
enter the league. This is broken down as follows:

How will we pay.
The full cash amount will come directly from Sassco.co.uk (i.e.,
Davinder Sangha). As with all past Sassco 11-a-side projects, the
key players will donate £10 towards the team (this will re-imburse
Davinder Sangha around 50% of the initial costs. Obviously the WCFL
is in no way responsible for this, but it's just to explain how
Sassco.co.uk generates the funding. The 6aside league has just had
it's sponsorship renewed by Aguk.net so some of that funding will be re-directed to the 11aside team.

Before Christmas in 2005, the key players
again donate a minimum of £10 while the second half pitch
fees and the WCFL fees are paid directly by Sassco.co.uk.

Each game will see all the players
paying £2. This will cover the referee costs and any other
costs.

Current assets.
We hardly need any equipment. We already have a full set of the
following:

Only major requirements will be net
clips and net pegs - usually available pitchside.

Discipline and fines.
If any discipline problems occur (i.e. red and yellow cards, etc),
then Sassco.co.uk will pay the amount to DFA or WCFL to prevent
the team from being suspended. But it will be written into the team
constitution that the player(s) will have to reimburse Sassco.co.uk
within 7 days otherwise Sassco.co.uk double the amount and will
forward details onto DFA to have the player(s) banned until the
payment is made.

Squad and potential player
shortages.
Currently we have over 18 players who are ready to play for Sassco.co.uk
next season. Not all will be available on a weekly basis, but the
core of the team has a guaranteed 11 or 12 players who have played
for Sassco over the last two years.

Some of the players currently play
for other teams in the league due to Sassco not having a team in
this season and no doubt some will want to remain with their teams.
If Sassco.co.uk had a team in for the 2004-2005 season, the following
would have most likely been playing for the team.

Previous financial and discipline
problems.
Contrary to popular belief, Sassco.co.uk have never had any previous
financial problems in it's 11-a-side teams.

Toddy's (in the Tyne & Wear League),
Sporting Club of Sunderland, Durham Reserves and Sunderland North
(all in the Durham Alliance) were in no way linked to Sassco.co.uk.
In fact Sassco 11-a-side was running while these teams were also
in action

The recent problems with the Tyne &
Wear League were resolved much to our satisfaction and also the
outstanding amount, once it was decided that it was nearly 50% less
than the Tyne & Wear League were demanding, was paid immediately.

We were accused of many things when
in the Tyne & Wear League, but none of these turned into official
warnings or complaints to DFA. Most of these complaints were in
direct response to ourselves criticising the organisation and cost
of having a team in the Tyne & Wear League.

19th
January 2005

Sponsor required.

Good deal in return for any potential sponsor.

We have two levels of sponsorship and both are hugely cost effective
as the offer a huge amount in return.

For £300 you get:

Full sponsorship of the Sassco.co.uk
11-a-side team.

Extensive promotion within our
six-a-side league.

Mass coverage on the Sassco.co.uk
website in the form of your company logos built in to the site
as opposed to links within in it.

If you have an existing website,
we will be able to optimise it, tidy it up and maintain it during
the full year of sponsorship and also integrate our site so that
most viewing our site will automatically have a look at yours.

If you don't have a site, we can
create a single specialist web page designed within the site Sassco.co.uk
with a .co.uk or .com web name linking to it. We could set up
an email system with .co.uk or .com name.

If you have a product or service
to sell, the Sassco site will automatically increase your presence
on the web. Our catchment group is male and aged between 16 and
40.

The six-a-side league has been going
strong since 1999. It was original concept from myself after playing
in similar overpriced leagues. The league is advanced and innovative
in adding rules such as requiring a full kit at all times as well
as custom designed balls. The 11-a-side team also has excellent
Adidas branded kits with the Sassco logo on and we would consider
the team to be the most professional looking within the region.

The six-a-side league is very well
placed within the internet and is used now as an interlinking site
for all the local leagues. The players within the league are aged
between 16 and 40 and all are local around the Sunderland/Washington
area also the Sassco website is, by far, one of the most popular
football sites in the region. On average, there are around 100-200
people who view it a day. The hit rate is staggering as well. We
get around 35,000 hits on the site per month.

For £600 you get:

All of the above, but in addition we
design, host and maintain a full website for you.

Normally this would cost around £1000
to £2000 if you went to a design agency and on top of this
they would charge you for maintenance once the site is up.

We will completely design the site
to your liking, register web names, even sort out emails, etc. Also
while your company is still sponsoring the team, the maintenance
will be completely free. So you could change the site if and when
you wanted.

Some of the sites designed include
the following (I am a graphic designer and some of these were designed
during ongoing employment):

So you can see that we are a professionally
orientated organisation and offer so much to companies such as yours.

We require sponsorship for the 2005-2006
season and would be interested in getting the funds in place now.
If so, the site design can begin immediately. Please feel free to
contact me, Davinder Sangha on 07780 972630 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
at any time.

18th
October 2004

Rules for next season.

Changes

After playing in various football leagues
in the Sunderland area, Sassco are going to be applying to play
in the Wearside Combination Football League (WCFL). This gives us
the best option as the league is exceptionally well run and also
the fact that it's based in and around Sunderland.

For our team, the rules and constitution of the team will undergo
some minor changes:

£2 subs paid before a game
when in the changing rooms. Anyone pisses about, fails to pay,
or acts as if I'm trying to get blood out of a stone will be on
the subs bench or dropped completely for the next game.

Everyone should have their own white
shorts and socks. They should also have their own shin pads. Shirts
will be provided, but must be handed back after the game. Anyone
who wants to take a shirt home can pay me £1.

Bring your own water. I can't stress
this enough. The car will already be full of kits, nets and balls.

Look after the Sassco footballs.
I'll bring two for each game. Make sure that none get lost.

Anyone who gets yellow or red carded,
MUST bring their fine money to the next game or six-a-side day.
Players have to pay their own fines. If they don't then the Sassco
funds will have to pay it. When this happens, the player is banned
from all involvement until he pays back the team. If this does
happen Sassco will add their own £5 fine on top. If the
player is skint, then tough. He shouldn't have got himself sent
off. This is enforceable by DFA.

ALL the team should help to put
up the nets and bring them down. If three people are doing it,
it takes around ten minutes or more. If all are helping, it's
done within minutes.

Each key player will pay £20
initially so that the team can pay for entrance fees, DFA fees
and pitch fees. The players will do the same in December to pay
the second half pitch fees. If we can get a sponsor, then all
of this is taken care of.

If for any reason the team folds,
the League will send a list of key players who have played more
than two games in the last ten fixtures to DFA, who will then
issue fines which are calculated based on the amount owed divided
by the amount of players. DFA can also add their own fines on
top of this.

I am solely responsible for the
team, but that doesn't mean financially. If we bail out (unlikely)
then the players pay their share. All must be well aware of this
before deciding to play for Sassco.

Any talking during team talks will
result in the gobby twats being relegated to the bench or dropped
from the following game. The manager (be it me or someone else)
should always be listened to during the team line up and tactics.

There are no great variations on
tactics for the new season

Closing down any lost cause for
90 minutes.

Be prepared when closing someone
down that they will either launch the ball or take it past you.
Prepare for the latter and be ready to pinch the ball.

Back four should play in a line,
but anyone screaming "offside" should always look along the line
to see if we are offside. As a rule we shouldn't rely on this
and play basic man-to-man marking when defending.

If the goalkeeper shouts for it
but the defender can get a clearance, then the defender should
clear it.

Avoid pass backs to the goalkeeper.

For a guide on fitness which includes warming up, warming down,
etc. click here

I will be providing official Sassco
polo shirts in grey (or white) colour with the official badge on
which should be worn when arriving at each game. The cost for these
will be around £5 to £15 (I need to work out the cost
price) and should be purchased by the team (not compulsory). More
details will be given later. As a rule, the kit is Adidas. Players
should attempt to get navy blue Adidas track suit bottoms (with
the three stripes). The polo shirts would be worn with these. It's
always been the intention to kit out the whole team, but funding
has never been available to do this. We are also looking into sweatshirts,
and will probably provide three coats for substitutes during the
cold year.

16th
October 2004

Amount cleared.

All players are free to play.

The original amount is now completely cleared.
The players owe me £18 each which is due by Tuesday. If not
paid to me then I will take the matter to DFA in the form of players
not reimbursing the team. I sent a cheque payment via recorded delivery.
We are definitely going to apply to join the WCFL League next season.
All the information on the past two seasons has been moved into
the archive section now.

12th
October 2004

DFA ruling.

Original amount due,
not the £438 wanted by the TW League.

Well, what can I say. The meeting went ahead
at the Dagmar as scheduled and despite the TW committee turning
up with dossiers and dossiers of paper with their own "Weapons of
Sassco destruction," they dithered over the exact timings of what
they did and failed to show written evidence. Despite having four
or five members of the committee there, it showed how unprofessional
and badly organised the whole show is. For any successful league,
you need one person in command making the decisions for the benefit
of his/her league and customers (the teams).

The key points which they failed on were as
follows:

Failed to inform us in writing about
the full amounts due.

Withheld our application to enter
the following season and then said we resigned from the league.

Made the mistake by confusing the
fact that Boothy resigned as Team Secretary, thinking the team
had resigned.

Should have dealt with all cases
within 21 days and not allowed the arrears to go on for so long.

Should NOT have sent letters to
the players without letting DFA countersign them.

Did not take the disrepute about
the messages on the website any further.

Claimed that J. Topping told them
to suspend us.

The main objection the hearing had about Sassco
was.

We shouldn't have not paid in the
arrears and then stopped the cheque

Well it's a valid point, but once
I suspected that the TW League didn't want us in, I wasn't prepared
to hand our arrears over (a large share of the £224 was due
to be paid by me) and rather let the matter
be dealt with each individual player who should pay their own share.
Some of the lads won't be playing football this season (such as
myself and Boothy, Galey, etc.) so it's down to the individuals
to pay. Also the fact that we were pulled up for disrepute meant
if we handed £224 over, we could have been hit with more fines.
The TW League simply didn't want us in.

26th
September 2004

Fines from Tyne & Wear
League.

Not necessary to pay
until DFA deals with it.

Many have received letters from Dunsford League
requesting payment for around £38. Please note, this isn't
official. Currently, the Durham FA are trying to arrange a meeting
with me and the TW League to sort out what we owe. The figure is
£224 which equates to around £16-20 each. The process
is straightforward. TW League will ask for a payment. You refuse
and they will take the matter to Durham FA, who will arrange a meeting
with me and TW League to decide on the amount we owe.
I'll keep all informed.

Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur "Throttur" line up.
If you thought Sassco's line up look rough.....
Here we have our esteemed opponents, with their huge squad. in the "Panini" format. The game against Reykjavik's Knattspyrnufélagið...Read More

Got, Got, NEED!
We've launched the official Panini Stickers for the Play on the Pitch 2018 game. Apparently, Jake Dyke's worth at least two swaps.
The game against Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, our semi-professional...Read More

Game confirmed!
The game has now been officially confirmed and booked in to the Stadium of Light for the 17th May 2018. The kick off is 7:00pm.
Our illustrious guests, Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, have...Read More

Our first overseas guests?
Not 100% confirmed, but Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, a semi-professional side which defeated Sassco in the Iceland Tour 2017 in one game (Sassco won the other) are looking to travel...Read More

McDermont foaming at the mouth.
Another disappointing game topped off with McDermont foaming at the mouth, requesting to be subbed, then fannying around in the box to concede the fourth goal.
The...Read More

Disputed penalty, and it wasn't McDermont this time.
A solid performance, again, from Sassco against, arguably, the strongest team in the competition.
We were up against it and had three enforced changes...Read More

Sassco return to action on the 3rd June at 10am against South Tyne Building Supplies.
Squad has been confirmed with the following players:
1. Davinder Sangha 2. Chris Dixon 3. Marc McDermont...Read More